Police release name of 52-year-old Bristol County man who died after driving into river

The name has been released of a Bristol County man who died in an incident on Thursday morning.

According to police, East Providence police officers were dispatched to Bold Point Park for a report of a vehicle in the water just before 5:00 a.m.

Officers were approached by two fishermen that witnessed a pickup truck drive into the Seekonk River from the shoreline. Several rescue vessels from East Providence and surrounding agencies began searching the area where the vehicle was last seen.

After several hours, the vehicle was located approximately 50 yards from the shore in 30 feet of water. Due to extremely strong currents, search and rescue divers encountered difficulties while trying to bring the vehicle to shore.

Once the vehicle was on land, first responders and investigators from the Rhode Island Medical Examiner’s Office identified 52-year-old James Cavanaugh from Taunton, MA, deceased, inside the vehicle. Cavanaugh was the only occupant of the vehicle.

Cavanaugh’s family described him as an avid fisherman who would typically fish every day.

East Providence detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Police do not believe foul play is a factor.