Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 2, 2024 Body discovered in Walden Pond tentatively identifi ed as missing Lynn boy RESCUE CREWS RESPOND: Firefi ghting crews from Lynnfi eld and Saugus arrived at the scene soon after reports of a body in the water at Walden Pond. But the rescue mission soon turned into a recovery eff ort. Investigators believe the body recovered was 17-year-old Brian Lopez of Lynn. (Courtesy Photo of Mike Layhe) Advocate staff report T he Saugus Police Depa r tment was informed of the presence of a body by some young men who were seeking to go fishing in Walden Pond near the Saugus-Lynnfield line. Investigators believe the body recovered from Walden Pond on Tuesday (July 30) is Brian Lopez, 17, of Lynn, who had been reported missing since last Friday. “It is our duty to report that, based on clothing and other physical accessories, we believe the deceased person found in Walden Pond today was Brian Lopez,” EsTHE RECOVERY: Members of the state Medical Examiner’s Offi ce and emergency responders transport a body discovered on Tuesday in Walden Pond near the Lynnfi eld/Saugus town line. (Courtesy Photo of Mike Layhe) sex County District Attorney Paul Tucker said in a press release issued by his office. “We have been in touch with the Lopez family and let them know this sad news.” The Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will make the final determination as to cause of death and whether the body found was indeed that of Lopez. The search for Lopez, which began on Sunday morning, had focused on the Lynn Woods Reservation, which is known to be one of his favorite spots. At this time, investigators do not believe anyone else was involved in the death and there is no indication of danger to the general public. Lopez attended Lynn Classical High School. “We would like to thank the Massachusetts State Police, Lynn Fire Department, Massachusetts Environmental Police, the Essex CounCHALLENGE | FROM PAGE 2 these positions is evidenced by the resources committed to each of the positions from both a budgetary and recruiting perspective,” he said. Selectmen Michael Serino and Anthony Cogliano declined to comment on the situation in the Planning and Economic Development Department or recommend what the town could do to improve the situation. Planning Board Member Robert Long, who is also a Precinct 4 Town Meeting member and a longtime participant in Saugus local government, suggested that the town manager consider enlisting help from a small group of local offi cials during the interview and screening process. “It’s the manager’s task to fi nd somebody,” Long said. “But I think he might consider bringing in some people – such as a couple of selectmen and a couple of Planning Board members – to meet the candidates. If we have some people ty District Attorney’s Office, numerous volunteers, and many members of the Lynn Police Department for their assistance during this investigation,” said Lynn Police Chief Christopher Reddy. “We offer our sincere condolences and support to the family and friends of Brian Lopez during this difficult time.” “No parent should have to endure the pain of losing a child,” Tucker concluded. “This was not the search conclusion anyone wanted, and our hearts are with the Lopez family.” who are being interviewed, bring in a few people who have been there for a while to explain what our needs are and what our expectations are for the town,” he said. Long also expressed concerns that the manager could be in a situation “where he’s being undercut by people with other motives.” “Unfortunately, some people have a negative impression of Saugus and I don’t think they should,” Long said. Whatever the town manager decides to do, he should consider help if he needs it because the positions need to be filled, according to Long. “Issues are becoming cumbersome and more diffi cult to deal with and if you keep having this turnover, you lose the continuity of the offi ce [Planning and Economic Development] and the offi ce loses the ability to see what the community wants to be,” Long said. “And that knowledge is priceless. We need to have people to come in and stay a while and get comfortable.”
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