Training Exercise Leads To Body Of Missing Man In Capital Region River

Months after a man from the region was reported missing, his body has been recovered from a local river.

Rensselaer County resident David Fearnley, age 45, was found dead in the Hoosic River in the town of Schaghticoke on Thursday, May 11. He had been reported missing in November 2022.
Photo Credit: *Google Maps street view/Rensselaer County Sheriff's Office*

05/12/2023 5:45 p.m.

Rensselaer County resident David Fearnley, age 45, was found dead in the Hoosic River in the town of Schaghticoke on Thursday, May 11, according to the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office.

The discovery was made at around 8 p.m. while members of the Schaghticoke Fire Department were conducting a water training exercise.

Earlier Report: Missing Man's Car Found On Side Of Road In Region, Police Say

Investigators confirmed the body is that of Fearnley, who was reported missing out of Rensselaer County in November 2022.

His vehicle was later found abandoned in Pittstown, near Valley Falls and Stover roads, according to deputies.

Subsequent land, air, and water searches, including the use of K-9 dogs, all proved fruitless.

Authorities did not speculate on a cause of death, but said there was no evidence of foul play.

“Please keep the Fearnley family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

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