The district attorney's office confirmed at 7 p.m. that the body recovered from Pontoosuc Lake on Thursday was that of a missing New York man.
The individual's name is being withheld until next of kin can be notified.
Pittsfield firefighters recovered the body after three days of intensive searching by local and state authorities.
Pittsfield Police are still investigating what is being described as an "apparent drowning." The State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office and Colonie (N.Y.) Police are assisting in the investigation.
Authorities have not found any evidence to suggest anyone else was involved or evidence of foul play.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Police Department is coordinating a search operation for a missing New York man on and around the southern portion of Pontoosuc Lake.
The man's identity and where in New York he was from has not been released.
A State Police truck and boat trailer was parked at the boat ramp. Several officers were in a yellow boat with equipment slowly moving through the south part of the lake on Wednesday. Several other boats were also being used.
The search commenced Tuesday morning with assistance from the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office, Environmental Police, and State Police. After searching the water for seven hours, it was determined that additional resources and equipment would be required to continue. The search resumed on Wednesday.
The police first received a report of a suspicious vehicle in Blue Anchor Park off Pontoosuc at about 2:23 p.m. on Monday.
Initial responding officers determined that the vehicle may have been abandoned, as it was revealed that the registered owner of the vehicle was reported missing out of New York State on May 5. Further investigation lead police to believe he had not left the area and searchers turned to the lake.
Police said the search of Pontoosuc Lake will be active until a recovery is made, those involved have reached their daily limitation, or the suspected missing party is located by other means.
The PPD asks that the public avoid the area of Blue Anchor Park and the Pontoosuc Lake boat ramp in order to allow public safety partners to maneuver freely.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Police Department is coordinating a search operation for a missing New York man on and around the southern portion of Pontoosuc Lake.
The man's identity and where in New York he was from has not been released.
A State Police truck and boat trailer was parked at the boat ramp. Several officers were in a yellow boat with equipment slowly moving through the south part of the lake on Wednesday. Several other boats were also being used.
The search commenced Tuesday morning with assistance from the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office, Environmental Police, and State Police. After searching the water for seven hours, it was determined that additional resources and equipment would be required to continue. The search resumed on Wednesday.
The police first received a report of a suspicious vehicle in Blue Anchor Park off Pontoosuc at about 2:23 p.m. on Monday.
Initial responding officers determined that the vehicle may have been abandoned, as it was revealed that the registered owner of the vehicle was reported missing out of New York State on May 5. Further investigation lead police to believe he had not left the area and searchers turned to the lake.
Police said the search of Pontoosuc Lake will be active until a recovery is made, those involved have reached their daily limitation, or the suspected missing party is located by other means.
The PPD asks that the public avoid the area of Blue Anchor Park and the Pontoosuc Lake boat ramp in order to allow public safety partners to maneuver freely.
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Toy Library Installed at Onota Lake
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Feel free to use or leave a toy at Onota Lake's newest infrastructure meant to foster community and benefit kids.
Burbank Park now has a toy library thanks to Wahconah Regional High School senior Alexandra Bills. Located along the wall at the beach area, the green and blue structure features two shelves with sand toys that can be used to enhance children's visits.
The Parks Commission supported Bills' proposal in February as part of her National Honors Society individual service project and it was installed this month. Measuring about 4 feet wide and 5.8 feet tall, it was built by the student and her father with donated materials from a local lumber company.
Friends and family members provided toys to fill the library such as pails, shovels, Frisbees, and trucks.
"I wanted to create a toy library like the other examples in Berkshire County from the sled library to the book libraries," she told the commission in February.
"But I wanted to make it toys for Onota Lake because a lot of kids forget their toys or some kids can't afford toys."
Bills lives nearby and will check on the library weekly — if not daily — to ensure the operation is running smoothly. A sign reading "Borrow-Play-Return" asks community members to clean up after themselves after using the toys.
It was built to accommodate children's heights and will be stored during the winter season.
Having fun on April vacation doesn't have to break the bank. From baby animals to recreational activities and crafts, there is an array of free or low-cost family events happening across the county this week. click for more
On Thursday, the panel approved a notice of intent application for the use of EarthTec QZ within a specified treatment area of the lake.
click for more