A body pulled from a lake in Massachusetts is believed to be a man who was reported missing more than three months ago, according to authorities.
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Wakefield Police Chief Steven Skory said the body was found in Lake Quannapowitt on Tuesday around 12:30 p.m.
In a news release, they said preliminary information, including the man’s clothing, suggests the body is that of 45-year-old Jason Thomas, of Wakefield, who was reported missing in December.
Police said Thomas left his home on the night of December 12 and did not return. His wife reported him missing early the next morning.
Investigators launched an extensive search in the days that followed using multiple resources from the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council, including K-9 units and drones.
A detective who was later searching near the lake — an area that had previously been frozen — spotted what appeared to be a body in the water. A drone was deployed to confirm the discovery before police and fire crews responded to recover the body.
Thomas’ parents both died prior to his disappearance, his family told WBTS, adding that he left home without his phone. His wife, Kristen Bartoli, told the media outlet he was grieving his parents’ deaths before he went missing.
“His mom died of dementia, and about 90 minutes later, his dad died of a massive heart attack in his arms,” she said, per WBTS.
Police previously said Thomas was last seen wearing a puffer-style jacket, black pants, black sneakers with white laces, and a black winter hat and gloves.
The case was referred to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, which will determine the official identity as well as the cause and manner of death.
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Authorities said that based on preliminary information, no foul play is suspected.
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