WALPOLE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Authorities say a body found Monday afternoon in the Connecticut River is believed to be that of a 24-year-old Grafton, Vermont, man who had been reported missing the night before.
Search teams located the body around 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, in the river in Walpole, New Hampshire, according to the Vermont State Police. The individual is believed to be Phineas Tillman, who was reported missing Sunday evening. New Hampshire authorities will lead the death investigation, including an autopsy to formally confirm the person’s identity and determine the cause and manner of death.
Police said there are no indications the death is suspicious.
Tillman was reported missing at about 5:55 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, after leaving his home in Grafton. The caller expressed concern for his welfare, prompting an investigation by first responders, including the Vermont State Police. Early investigative efforts led officers to Bridge Street in Bellows Falls, where evidence suggested Tillman may have entered the Connecticut River.
A multi-agency search followed, involving the Vermont State Police Field Force Division and its Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program, along with several agencies from both Vermont and New Hampshire. Because the Connecticut River is entirely within New Hampshire, water-based search operations were led by New Hampshire teams in coordination with Vermont State Police.
Vermont State Police said no additional details are available at this time.


