Body found by authorities believed to be missing 45-year-old Massachusetts man

WAKEFIELD – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Wakefield Chief of Police Steven Skory have confirmed that a body was recovered from Lake Quannapowitt this afternoon. Preliminary information including the clothing of the victim suggests that it is the body of 45-year-old Jason Thomas, who was reported missing to Wakefield Police on December 13th.

Jason Thomas reportedly left his home the night of December 12th. When he did not return home, his wife reported him missing to Wakefield Police in the early hours of December 13th. Wakefield Police conducted an extensive search of the area utilizing resources from the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC), K-9 units and drones. Today at approximately 12:30 p.m., a detective from Wakefield Police who was searching the area of the Lake, which had previously been frozen, located what appeared to be a body in the water. Wakefield Police deployed a drone to the area to confirm. Wakefield Police and Fire responded and recovered the body.

This matter will be referred to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner who will determine the identity and the cause and manner of death.

Based on the preliminary information, no foul play is suspected.