Man found drowned in St. Lawrence River in Hammond identified; investigation continues

HAMMOND – The man found drowned in the St. Lawrence River has been identified, according to state police.

The body of John M. Huniford, 56, Brewerton, was found shortly after a search began by the St. Lawrence County Dive Team, approximately 40 yards from the family dock off Indian Point Road.

St. Lawrence County Central Dispatch received a call at 7:04 a.m. Sunday from H. John Huniford, Indian Point Road, his father, reporting that his son, John M. Huniford, was missing.

At about 6:30 a.m., Huniford's father had noticed his clothing and towel on their dock on the St. Lawrence River. Huniford regularly swam in the St. Lawrence River, but his father contacted St. Lawrence County when he got concerned because he could not see him in the water.

The United States Coast Guard, Hammond Fire and Rescue, Morristown Fire and Rescue, St. Lawrence County Dive Team, New York State Department of Conservation Forest Rangers and Canada Customs all took part in the search for Huniford.

Huniford was transported to Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg where an autopsy will be performed, police said.

State police are continuing their investigation into this incident.