A body recovered from the Connecticut River in Northampton on Tuesday is believed to be that of a Connecticut man reported missing, as investigators work to confirm his identity and how he died. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has not yet officially identified the individual or determined the cause of death, and authorities say there is currently no indication of foul play, though the case remains under active investigation.
Recovery Near Shepherd's Island
Northampton emergency crews were called to the area of Shepherd’s Island and Middle Meadow Road around 3 p.m. They used a boat to reach an adult male in the river, who was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office. The office said the deceased is believed to be 36‑year‑old Jonathon Maxwell of Wolcott, Connecticut, as reported by Western Mass News.
How The Search Unfolded
Police say Maxwell was reported missing after his sister used the “Find My Phone” feature and traced his phone to the Meadows area of Northampton. Officers then located an unoccupied vehicle stuck in the mud and later found the phone about 1.4 miles away, Daily Hampshire Gazette reported.
The search quickly escalated into a multi‑agency effort that included Easthampton police K‑9 units, Northampton Fire, the Massachusetts State Police Air Wing and the Western Massachusetts Regional Dive Team in the area before the recovery in the river.
Investigation And Next Steps
State Police detectives assigned to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section are leading the investigation. They reiterated that, at this point, there is no indication of foul play, according to CT Insider.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the manner and cause of death and to confirm the identity of the deceased.
Northampton police asked the public to stay clear of the immediate area during the response and urged residents and business owners to review any camera footage that might help investigators. Anyone with information is asked to call the department at 413‑587‑1100, the Daily Hampshire Gazette reported.
For regional context, Franklin County Now has been tracking other recent recoveries and local agency responses along the Connecticut River.
