Body of Missing Waterville Man Found in Kennebec River

Photo byDavid von DiemaronUnsplash

Search for John Lessard Ends in Tragedy

WATERVILLE, Maine — The body of 42-year-old John Lessard, a transient with ties to Waterville, was recovered from the Kennebec River on Saturday, concluding a week-long search effort.

Missing Person Report and Initial Search Efforts

Police began searching for Lessard after he was reported missing on Monday. Authorities were alerted shortly before 6 a.m. that Lessard may have entered the Kennebec River near the north end of the Riverwalk.

Despite extensive search and rescue operations involving Waterville police and fire departments, including the use of rescue boats and a drone, the initial efforts were unsuccessful.

Expanded Search Operations

The Maine Warden Service and Maine Marine Patrol took over the search, deploying air assets, boats, and divers to aid in the effort. The search continued for several days, with officials combing the area for any sign of Lessard.

Recovery of the Body

In an updated Facebook post, Waterville police announced that Lessard's body was recovered around 11 a.m. Saturday near the Fort Halifax State Historic Site in Winslow, approximately 200 yards south of where he was reportedly seen entering the river.

No Further Information Released

As of now, no additional information has been released regarding the circumstances surrounding Lessard’s disappearance and death. The community awaits further updates from the authorities.

Attribution source: Msn.com