ANCRAM—An elderly, ill man reported missing from his home the morning of March 30 was found dead later that evening.
Livingston State Police and Ancram firefighters combed the area around the home of Roswell “Butch” Gordon, 72, who lived on Snyder Road and was last seen there by his family.
Described by State Police, who initially put out a call for assistance, as 5’6” tall and weighing 117 pounds, Mr. Gordon suffered from metastatic pancreatic cancer, a heart condition and had difficulty walking.
When last seen, Mr. Gordon was wearing a blue shirt, black pants and a black hooded jean jacket.
Mr. Gordon’s body was discovered about a half mile from his residence, according to Columbia County Coroner Angelo Nero.
Police say that although the investigation is continuing, all indications are that Mr. Gordon, who was undergoing treatment for his serious medical condition, died as a result of complications of that condition while out for a walk.
Coroner Nero said there will be no autopsy and that though no one knows for sure, Mr. Gordon may have become confused and wandered away from his home. Just going out in the elements—rain and wind—could have been enough of a strain, due to his condition, to cause his death, said the coroner.
Funeral arrangements are with the Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington.
To contact Diane Valden email dvalden@ColumbiaPaper.com
