Press release/Submitted photos
On Monday, March 14th, a search of Tonawanda Creek between the S. Lyon Street and River Street bridges in the city of Batavia was conducted under the direction of the Batavia Police Department. The search was pertaining to a missing person, Lewis Hyde, who was reported missing on March 11th. While an extensive search has been going on since that time, the search of the creek was conducted due to a jacket being found near the creek bank on March 13th.
At approximately 12:35 PM on March 14th, a body was located and recovered from the Tonawanda Creek by the search and rescue teams. The body was confirmed to be that of Lewis Hyde. An investigation is ongoing pending the results of an autopsy, but there does not appear to be any signs of foul play. The Batavia Police Department greatly appreciates the assistance of the City of Batavia Fire Department, Genesee County Emergency Management, New York State Police, ALERT – Advanced Local Emergency Response Team, Mercy EMS, Alden Fire, Niagara Frontier Search and Rescue, Massasauga Search and Rescue Team, Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center and the Genesee County Coroner’s Office in this matter. At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Lewis Hyde.