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Body of missing Massachusetts canoeist recovered from Lake Massabesic

By Dean Shalhoup - Senior Staff Reporter | Sep 14, 2020

Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS A Fish and Game officer carries divers' air tanks back to their vehicles Sunday as they wrap up their search after recovering the body of a Massachusetts man.

By DEAN SHALHOUP

Senior Staff Writer

AUBURN – State Fish and Game divers on Sunday located the body of the 83-year-old Methuen, Massachusetts man reported missing Friday after launching his canoe in Lake Massabesic.

State Police Marine Patrol officials said Joseph Moreau’s body was recovered after a two-day search that began Friday. Moreau reportedly launched his canoe by himself Friday morning at Claire’s Landing, which is off Chester Road (Route 121), just south of Auburn village.

Officials said Moreau’s wife reported him missing when he didn’t return home Friday evening as planned.

Auburn police and firefighters, along with State Police Troop A officers, Marine Patrol officers, Auburn Watershed police and state Fish and Game officers responded to the area to take part in the search.

After finding Moreau’s car parked at the boat launch, divers suited up and headed out in boats to search the lake.

Searchers soon located Moreau’s canoe, which was floating right side up in 2-5 feet of water with his fishing gear inside. A trolling motor on the canoe was in the “up” position, officials said.

A representative of the state Medical Examiner’s office was called to the scene once searchers recovered Moreau’s body. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday.

Officials ask that anyone who may have additional information on the incident contact Marine Patrol Officer Nicholas Haroutunian at 293-2037 or nicholas.haroutunian@dos.nh.gov.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.

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