WPD identifies body recovered from river

Published 1:16 pm Wednesday, May 15, 2024

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On Wednesday, Washington Police Department identified the body of a 54-year-old man who was found near the city docks on Stewart’s Parkway. Gary Upton Jr., of Washington, was retrieved from the Pamlico River on Monday, May, 13.

Upton, also known as “Scooter,” had lived on a dark blue, 27 Pearson sailboat near the waterfront for three months, a dock attendant estimated. He lived alone, Washington Police Chief Phil Rollinson shared on Wednesday. The police department is working to piece together the events of early Monday morning. At this time, they are investigating if Upton was in an accident involving a dingy he used to travel to and from the sailboat.The dingy was found near Haven’s Wharf, a dock attendant shared.

On Monday, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Washington Police Department and Washington Fire Rescue responded to the city boat docks in reference to a possible body in the water, the department shared earlier this week. Upon arrival, they located the body of a 54-year-old male subject who was pronounced deceased at the scene. The investigation is ongoing. Department officials do not suspect foul play.

Upton was an employee of Parle’ Riverfront Restaurant & Bar in Washington.