Police ID missing person found dead in a CT river

On March 6, 2025, a tragic discovery was made in the Norwalk River, Connecticut, when the body of a missing person was identified by the Norwalk Police Department. This incident has drawn attention to the challenges of missing persons cases and the critical role of community and law enforcement collaboration. Below, we explore the details of this case, focusing on the identity of the individual, the circumstances of her disappearance, and the ongoing investigation.

Who Was Paige Fannon?

Paige Fannon, aged 35, was a resident of West Islip, New York. She was reported missing from New York on March 4, 2025, and was last seen in Wilton, CT, near Schenck’s Island on March 5, 2025. While specific details about her background are limited, her presence in Connecticut suggests she may have been visiting the area, possibly for personal or recreational reasons.

Circumstances of Disappearance and Discovery

Ms. Fannon was reported missing from New York on March 4, 2025, but was last seen the following day near Schenck’s Island, a park in Wilton along the Norwalk River. On March 6, 2025, a visitor found her clothing and personal items, including a cell phone, near the riverbank, prompting a search. Given the heavy rainfall the previous night, the river was flowing rapidly, leading authorities to suspect she had entered the water. The Norwalk Police, assisted by Wilton Police, deployed a drone and conducted a search, locating her body about two miles downstream near Main Avenue and Grist Mill Road in Norwalk. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ongoing Investigation

The Norwalk Police Department is actively investigating the incident, with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner tasked with determining the cause of death. The police have extended their condolences to Ms. Fannon’s family and friends and are seeking public assistance. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Lindsey Taylor at 203-854-3183 or via email at LTaylor@norwalkct.gov.

Survey Note: Comprehensive Analysis of the Incident

This section provides a detailed examination of the incident involving Paige Fannon, whose body was found in the Norwalk River on March 6, 2025. Drawing from multiple news reports and public records, we aim to present a thorough overview, including the timeline, location specifics, and investigative efforts, ensuring a strict superset of the information in the direct answer section.

Background and Identity

Paige Fannon, a 35-year-old woman from West Islip, New York, was at the center of this tragic event. Reported missing from New York on March 4, 2025, her last known sighting was on March 5, 2025, around 12:00 PM near Schenck’s Island in Wilton, CT (Newport Dispatch). Limited information is available about her reasons for being in Connecticut, but it is plausible she was visiting the area, given Schenck’s Island’s reputation as a recreational spot with trails and picnic areas (CTvisit).

Timeline of Events

• March 4, 2025: Paige Fannon was reported missing from West Islip, New York, according to multiple sources (Norwalk Daily Voice).
• March 5, 2025: She was last seen near Schenck’s Island, Wilton, CT, around midday, as noted in a missing persons report (Missing People in America).
• March 6, 2025: At approximately 12:51 PM, Wilton Police contacted Norwalk Police for assistance in locating a missing person, following the discovery of her clothing and personal items, including a cell phone, near the riverbank at Schenck’s Island (Good Morning Wilton). The Norwalk River, swollen due to heavy overnight rainfall, was flowing rapidly, raising concerns she had entered the water. A drone search and ground efforts led to the discovery of her body about two miles downstream near Main Avenue and Grist Mill Road in Norwalk, where she was pronounced dead at the scene (WFSB).

Location Details

Schenck’s Island, located at 202 Old Ridgefield Road in Wilton, is a natural preserve managed by the Wilton Land Conservation Trust, featuring trails and river access (Yelp). The Norwalk River, which runs alongside the island, is known for its scenic beauty but can become hazardous during heavy rain, as evidenced by the rapid flow on March 6, 2025. The downstream location where her body was found, near Main Avenue and Grist Mill Road in Norwalk, is approximately two miles south, highlighting the river’s swift current under those conditions.

Investigative Efforts and Public Appeal

The Norwalk Police Department, in coordination with the Wilton Police, conducted a multi-faceted search, utilizing both aerial drones and ground teams, including the Norwalk Fire Department’s dive team (NBC New York). The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is tasked with determining the cause of death, which remains pending as of March 9, 2025. Lieutenant Tomasz Podgorski of the Norwalk Police expressed condolences to Ms. Fannon’s family and friends, emphasizing the department’s commitment to the investigation (Wilton Bulletin). The public is urged to assist by contacting Detective Lindsey Taylor at 203-854-3183 or LTaylor@norwalkct.gov with any relevant information (Patch).

Community and Environmental Context

Schenck’s Island has been a focal point for community activities, with recent discussions about improvements like playgrounds and parking lots, reflecting its importance as a local recreational area (Wilton Bulletin). The incident underscores the risks associated with natural water bodies, particularly during periods of high water flow due to weather conditions, which may have contributed to the tragic outcome.

Comparative Analysis

This case is one of several recent incidents involving missing persons found in Connecticut rivers, such as Edward Gebhardt, found dead in the CT River in September 2024 (WFSB), and Kyle Sousa, found in the Moosup River in November 2024 (WFSB). Each case highlights the challenges of search and rescue operations in aquatic environments and the importance of timely community alerts.

Table: Key Timeline and Details

The discovery of Paige Fannon’s body in the Norwalk River on March 6, 2025, marks a somber conclusion to a missing persons case that spanned two states. The ongoing investigation seeks to uncover the circumstances leading to her death, with the community’s support being crucial. This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of natural environments and the need for vigilance in reporting missing persons.