State Police Recover Body in Granville State Forest
47-year-old James P. O'Brien of Westfield was located on the shore in a remote area of the forest. Preliminary investigation by Trooper Gary Fitzgerald suggests that O'Brien drowned after a kayaking accident.
Troopers and EMS personnel had to cross approximately 1½ miles of rough terrain to reach O'Brien, who was deceased when pulled onto the shore.
The facts and circumstances of the death remain under investigation by troopers assigned to the Hampden County District Attorney's Office.
Troopers were assisted at the scene by the State Police Crime Scene Services Section, the State Police Air Wing, the Granville Fire Department and the Tolland Fire Department.
No further information is available at this time. Please do not call the barracks directly.