Massachusetts fisherman found dead on the rocky shore of Sakonnet River in Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH − A 65-year-old Massachusetts fisherman was found dead Monday in the Sakonnet River.

The body of Leonidas Gonzalez, of Marlborough, was on the surface along a treacherous shoreline near Indian Avenue, according to Portsmouth's deputy police chief, Maj. Michael J. Morse.

Gonzalez, a retired jeweler and grandfather, frequently fished in the area, and witnesses told police he had fished for several hours on Monday, Morse said.

At 11:30 a.m., said Morse, Gonzalez descended toward the river, moving through rocky terrain.Gonzalez, a father of seven who frequently angled in the area, continued to fish.

The point of access for the fishing area is in Middletown, just south of the Portsmouth line.

Signs warn the public about the dangerousness of the shore along the river near Pebble Beach.

A seasoned angler who loved to fish at rocky spot on the Sakonnet

Gonzalez's 38-year-old son, Leonardo Barrera, said Tuesday that his father had lots of experience angling in the area.

He fished for porgies, also known as scup.

"That was his lucky spot, as he called it," said the man's son.

An investigation into exactly what happened to Gonzalez continues. But his son believes he might have had a better chance if he hadn't been fishing alone.

His son encouraged people to have a partner or be in the company of others when on the water.

"Always have someone there," he said.

At 5:44 p.m., Portsmouth police were told that a person who might be dead was in the water along the shore in Portsmouth, Morse said.

At the scene, local officers and firefighters saw no signs of life, police said.

Due to the rocky and dangerous terrain, Middletown firefighters recovered the Gonzalez' body from the water by boat.

Shortly after, Gonzalez was pronounced dead. No foul play is suspected.

An investigation into the cause of his death continues.

"He was a great guy," his son said. "He would give the shirt off his back to help anyone."

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Massachusetts fisherman found dead on the rocky shore of Sakonnet River in Portsmouth