State and Townsend Police Locate Body Presumed to be Man Missing in Forest

An extensive search of the State Forest off Turnpike Road in West Townsend concluded last night when the body of a white male believed to be that of 51-year-old Greg Gabrilska was located at approximately 9:42 p.m. by K-9 search crews. The body was located northeast of the quarry area in the state forest, approximately 30 minutes by foot from where Mr. Gabrilska's vehicle was located, and was approximately 100 yards off a trail in a densely wooded area at the base of a large outcropping of boulders. Positive identification is yet to be determined, however the physical description is consistent with that of Mr. Gabrilska.

The search for Mr. Gabrilska began Sunday afternoon, when his vehicle was located at the entrance to state property and Townsend Police determined that the vehicle may have been there since Friday, Sept. 11. The initial search consisted of ATVs, from Townsend Police, Townsend Fire/EMS and Massachusetts Environmental Police, as well as the Massachusetts State Police K-9 Unit and Massachusetts State Police Air Wing. The initial search was suspended at approximately 11 p.m. Sunday and resumed at approximately 8 a.m. yesterday with search teams from Townsend Police, Townsend Fire/EMS, North Eastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council, Massachusetts Environmental Police, Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Massachusetts State Police K-9, the State Police Air Wing, and State Police Special Emergency Response Team and support personnel. In total, more than 100 searchers and support personnel assisted with the search.

The body was removed from the scene by the State Medical Examiners Office at approximately 2 a.m. this morning and is scheduled for autopsy later today to determine positive identification and cause of death.

Townsend Police Chief Erving Marshall Jr. expressed gratitude to those involved in this mammoth and difficult undertaking, which includes the above-mentioned agencies as well as the American Red Cross, volunteers who offered their assistance, and support, and donations from local businesses.

The case remains open and under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit connected to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office and Townsend Police.