Press release
Sheriff Christopher Bourke reports that the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has recovered the body of Robert Bristol, age 39, of Hulberton / Town of Murray, from the NYS Erie Canal near Hulberton Road.
An acquaintance reported Mr. Bristol missing at approximately 5:25a.m. this morning. Sheriff’s deputies conducted an extensive search of the area using the Sheriff’s K-9 Unit, Drone Unit, and Marine Division along with deputies on foot.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Murray Joint Fire Dist., E.M.O. and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team. Deputy Cole and K-9 Otto tracked Mr. Bristol from his last known location directly to the bank of the Erie Canal. Subsequently Mr. Bristol was found submerged in water close to the area where the K-9 track ended.
Sheriff’s Investigators are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Bristol. At this time, we have reason to believe that consumption of alcoholic beverages may have contributed to Mr. Bristol falling in the canal. The body was transported to the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office for further investigation.