CANTON – An 80-year-old Pierrepont man reported missing was located deceased early this afternoon in a wooded area not far from his residence.

The St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office received a request on Tuesday, Sept. 29, for a welfare check on John E. Sleeper Jr., who suffers from dementia and had not been heard from in several weeks.

Deputies began an immediate investigation and search at his residence on Post Road in the Town of Pierrepont. The case was turned over to the Criminal Investigation Division where search efforts continued. Sheriff’s deputies deployed an all-terrain vehicle, unmanned aerial system, and K-9 in an effort to locate Sleeper. New York State Forest Rangers responded and assisted with coordination and search efforts.

At 12:18 p.m. today, Sept. 30, he was located deceased in the woods approximately one-eighth of a mile from his residence. The investigation is ongoing.

The cause of death will be determined in collaboration with the Medical Examiner's Office.

The death is not considered suspicious.