Officials Release Identity of Man Found Dead At Rocky Neck State Park

This article was written and reported by Jayne Keedle. It was posted to Guilford Patch by Lauren Lanzon. 

DEEP officials say that Jessie P. Farland, 41, of Niantic died of an apparent suicide at Rocky Neck State Park last week. Farland's body was discovered at one of the camp sites at the park by a hiker on the morning of April 4. 

Connecticut State Police who, along with East Lyme Police Department, assisted DEEP police in the investigation, say that there was "no criminal aspect" to the man's death. 

An obituary posted in the New Haven Register stated that Farland died on April 1. He was formerly from West Haven, which is where a private funeral service will be held on Wednesday. 

Farland was described as an accomplished chef and a martial artist who loved his dogs, Woody and Casey, "who always made the rough days a little easier," the obituary reads. "Jesse will be greatly missed by family (including Woody & Casey) and friends." 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sending donations to Wags & Whiskers to benefit the West Haven Animal Shelter.