Police Identify Person Found In Hockanum River As Missing Vernon Man

MANCHESTER, CT — A person reported missing out of Vernon last month has been identified as the man found dead in the Hockanum River Monday.

He was identified Wednesday as 40 year-year-old Justin Shvetz, of Vernon. Shvetz's family reported him missing on Feb. 11 to the Vernon Police Department. Shvetz had been entered into a national database as missing and a Silver Alert had been initiated. Vernon police said they had an active and ongoing investigation into his whereabouts while working alongside his family.

He was located at 3:26 p.m. Monday in the river near Hilliard Street and New State Road, police said. With the assistance of the Manchester Fire Department, he was removed from the river, police said.

An autopsy was performed, and a cause of death could not be immediately confirmed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The Medical Examiner is waiting for further test results, but reported no signs of physical injury or trauma, police said.

There was still a heavy police presence at the scene Wednesday.

"The Manchester Police Department and Vernon Police Department send our deepest condolences to Justin Shvetz's family and friends during this difficult time," police said.