Body of missing kayaker found after water search in Chelmsford

A search and rescue team pulled a body from Chelmsford’s Freeman Lake Monday afternoon after a lengthy search, according to the town’s police department.

According to the Chelmsford Police Department, police received a report that a man boating on the lake was in distress. When police and firefighters responded to the scene, they were able to locate the kayak but without the man on board.

Police and firefighters combed the lake for three hours before locating the body at approximately 3:30 p.m. Environmental police also provided a sonar buoy to aide the search.

Scott Millin, a Chelmsford native that lives next to the lake, had no idea that there was anything wrong until he and his wife heard the helicopters.

“We were actually inside and had no idea anything was going on until we heard the helicopters and my wife looked outside and saw the large police presence and since then just like everybody else we’ve just sort of been watching and wondering,” said Millin.

Watching and wondering with a sense of trepidation.

“The first thing that goes through your mind is that its someone from the neighborhood,” said Millin. “Beyond that is just the tragedy that some family is going to be upset tonight.”

The body is in custody of the of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, who will make a positive ID and determine the cause of death.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

©2022 Cox Media Group