Crime & Safety

UPDATED: Newton Man Dies After Falling from Hadley Dock

Updated: 3:40 p.m.

An Auburndale man died after falling into the Connecticut River in Western Massachusetts.

Christopher Patterson, 54, was found in the river in Hadley Tuesday morning after being reported missing by a friend on Monday at 11 p.m., according to press release issued by the Northwestern District Attorney's office.

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Patterson had been having a picnic with friends on a pontoon boat when he fell off a dock near the bridge that connects Hadley with Northampton, according to the release.

A Hadley Fire Department diver located Patterson about 13 feet below the surface and 25 feet from the dock at Sportsman's Arena from which he reportedly fell.

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The death is under investigation, but does not appear suspicious, according to the release.

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