Bristol County District Attorney identifies 43-year-old man found deceased, remembered as someone who would give you the shirt off his back

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn, III announced Sunday that an adult male was found deceased in the waters near the entrance to Fort Taber Park located at 1000C Rodney French Boulevard in New Bedford. 

Just before 11:00 a.m. Sunday morning, a civilian caller, who was on the walking path, contacted emergency services after locating a body in the water in the area near the entrance to Fort Taber Park.  New Bedford Officers arrived on scene and pulled a fully clothed unresponsive male from the water.  Paramedics pronounced the male deceased upon arrival. 

The male was identified as 43-year-old Joel Barboza of New Bedford. 

There was no observable trauma to the decedent, and the death is not deemed suspicious. 

Official cause and manner of death is pending a determination from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Those who knew Barboza told Fall River Reporter that he was a good friend who always had their back. He would give you the shirt off his back and was a stand-up guy all around who was always smiling and a fun person to be around.

The matter remains under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office along with the New Bedford Police Department.