Emergency responders from both Vermont and New Hampshire retrieved a body in the Connecticut River on Monday afternoon, following a search for 24-year-old Phineas Tillman, who had been reported missing the previous evening. The discovery was made near the Vilas Bridge, a location of particular interest to the search teams.

The operation began on Sunday at approximately 5:55 p.m. when police received a report expressing concerns over Tillman’s welfare after he left his home in Grafton. Reports indicated that he may have made suicidal threats, prompting police to focus their efforts on the area around Bridge Street in Bellows Falls, where initial evidence suggested he might have entered the water.

Authorities confirmed the body was located using sonar technology by a dive team from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Reports indicate that the body was found around 1 p.m. on Monday, although some sources mention a retrieval time closer to 11:30 a.m. There has been no indication that the death is suspicious. An autopsy is planned to ascertain the identity and exact cause of death.

After the body was found, a friend of Tillman’s family shared a statement on social media, expressing their grief and gratitude for the support received during this difficult time. They reflected on Tillman’s loving nature, emphasizing how he would be missed deeply by his family.

The search effort involved various agencies, including the Vermont State Police’s Field Force Division, and was complicated by the challenging terrain and icy conditions along the riverbanks. The Connecticut River, which was under the jurisdiction of New Hampshire, saw local officials stepping up their search operations while working in coordination with Vermont law enforcement.

Anyone with helpful information related to the case is encouraged to reach out to the Westminster Barracks at 802-722-4600 or submit an anonymous tip online.