Body Found in River May 27 Confirmed As That of Man Missing Since January

A body found on Memorial Day, May 27, in the Juniata River near Brooks Mills, Blair Township, just north of East Freedom, has been identified as 30-year-old Mathew W. Smith of Bakers Summit. Smith had been missing since Jan. 19.

Two kayakers traveling down the river found Smith's body at around 7:30 a.m. Blair Township police, who were investigating Smith's disappearance, arrived shortly after to the remote area approximately 300 yards off Charger Highway.

The Freedom Township Volunteer Fire Department along with the Geeseytown Water Rescue Team were dispatched to the scene to remove the bo...