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The incident occurred in the town of Fairfield around 12:40 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 22.
According to Fairfield Police Sgt. Michael Stahl, the Weston Police Department notified the department of a vehicle submerged in the Aspetuck River, directly behind Aspetuck Falls in Fairfield.
Stahl said the vehicle was believed to have been at this location for several days and was found unoccupied.
Fairfield Police personnel confirmed that the vehicle appeared to be unoccupied. A Fairfield diver further confirmed that no one was inside the vehicle and that no individuals were in or around the water near the vehicle, Stahl said.
A further investigation revealed evidence suggesting that the vehicle's driver may have been inside when it entered the water.
Information received during the initial investigation determined that the vehicle's owner was last seen around 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 18. Stahl said the vehicle was reportedly last seen in Wilton at around 10 p.m. that night.
Based on these findings, a recovery operation was initiated.
At approximately 5:20 p.m., divers located Robert Macisaac, 59, of Weston, in the Aspetuck River near Bayberry Lane and Easton Road in Westport.
A preliminary investigation suggests that the incident could be related to the severe weather conditions in the area on Sunday, Aug. 18.
However, the exact cause of the vehicle leaving the roadway remains under investigation.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the official cause of death.
Stahl thanked the following departments for their help in the search and recovery efforts including:
- Connecticut State Police Aviation Unit
- State Police SAR K9 Unit
- Westport Police Department
- Weston Police Department, and
- Numerous Fairfield Police personnel who assisted.
"Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Mr. Macisaac during this difficult time," Stahl said.
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