K9 team was searching near Mindelli home when discovery was made
Volunteers and search teams had been trying to find Mindelli since he went missing on July 19.
DRYDEN TWP. — On Thursday morning, the Dryden Township Police Department confirmed a body had been found in a small lake near Joe Mindelli’s home, effectively ending the search for the 79-year-old who had not been seen since July 19.
In a release, police said that Michigan State Police Trooper Tyler Dougherty and his K9 partner Thor were searching in the area around the missing man’s home on Wednesday afternoon, (July 28) when they found the body in water less than a mile from the Mindelli’s home.
Firefighters used a small boat to retrieve the body and the deceased was taken to the Lapeer County Medical Examiner’s office by Lapeer County EMS. Identification could not be made while on scene as it appeared the body had been in the water for some time.
“The investigation is ongoing and will continue to determine the exact identity of the subject in question. It is expected that an autopsy will be conducted as part of the investigative process to determine a cause of death,” the statement read.
Dryden Township Police and dozens of other agencies, with help from volunteers, have been searching for Mindelli since July 19 when family reported him missing.
“The Dryden Township Police Department and the Mindelli family would like to extend our heartfelt thank you to all the agencies and volunteers that have provided an enormous amount of time and resources in this effort,” the release said.
“The Dryden Township Police Department is asking that everyone keep the Mindelli family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Memorial services will be held for Mindelli on Saturday, August 14 at 11 a.m. at the Dryden Wesleyan Church with visiting prior to the service from 10-11 a.m.
For a complete obituary see page 13-A.
