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Connecticut
Police identify Northampton man found in Connecticut River
GILL, Mass. (WWLP) – Authorities have identified the man found in the Connecticut River on Monday as 29-year-old Daniel Esrick of Northampton.
According to officials, Esrick’s body was discovered mid-day on the Gill side of the river near Route 2. Monday, November 25. No foul play is suspected at this time.
The Gill/Montague Police and Fire departments were first to the scene, joined by State Police detectives assigned to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office and State Police Crime Scene Services.
The investigation into Esrick’s death remains ongoing. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the official cause of death.
Neighbors who live in the Elm City’s Fair Haven neighborhood might notice a change of scenery at Quinnipiac River Park.
With city planning and a $250,000 state grant, the walkways were paved, water fountains were installed, and the riverbank was improved to prevent erosion.
It’s come a long way since the area was an industrial site in the 1960s.
“Decades and decades ago, this was a junkyard and it’s just shocking to see what is here now, this beautiful site,” New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said.
The area eventually became a park that saw a massive cleanup a few years ago. What was once a dump is now frequented by visitors young and old, on wheels and on four legs.
“I’d be the only guy running laps around ad now morning, night, afternoon, there’s people running, there’s people having picnics,” neighbor Eric Murray said.
Elicker said a nicer park with lighting and clean, open space can make visitors feel safe.
“People are less likely to engage in crime if they think that there’s a lot of people to witness and they could get caught,” he said.
The work isn’t done yet. Future plans include picnic tables, a new patio area and welcome gardens. The walkways will become a part of a trail that goes around Fair Haven, according to the mayor.
That requires more funding and the continued work of neighbors who have been keeping the park clean.
The Friends of Quinnipiac River Park take pride in maintaining the beauty here by planting flowers and trees, taking care of them in every season.
“I love planting, especially for the neighborhood,” Sadi Vidro, a member of the Friends of Quinnipiac River Park. “I saw the, the outcome of it and that’s what keeps me going.”
Some trees are decorated with a cross and a message that might stop you on your walk. One tree is planted in memory of Michael Caliz.
“Our friend Rita, this is a tree she planted in memory of her son and Rita comes back faithfully every year,” Tom Burwell, the founder of the Friends of Quinnipiac River Park, said. “She’s definitely has taken ownership in the tree and she’s become a staple. She’s been like a mom to us in the group as well.”
Phase one of the project is complete. Concept plans for phase 2 focus on the northern end of the park.
Several Connecticut swimming areas are closed due to the potential of bacteria in the water.
The heavy rain over the past few days is the reason for the concern.
Swimming is prohibited at the West Beach at Rocky Neck State Park, Sherwood Island State Park, Silver Sands State Park in Milford, and Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth.
Water testing at those state parks will be redone on Wednesday with results back on Thursday.
Clinton has also suspended swimming and other water activities at its town beach until further notice. The beach remains open and all other amenities are available, according to the town.
There is no swimming allowed at all Stratford beaches until Friday, according to the Stratford Health Department.
The East Shore Health Department says beaches in East Haven, as well as Clark/Johnson Beach, Stony Creek, and Branford Point in Branford are also closed to swimming. Water samples are being taken on Wednesday and the results are expected on Thursday.
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