Missing Alexandria man found dead, police don't suspect foul play

ALEXANDRIA — An Alexandria man missing since December was found dead on Tuesday, thanks to a tip from the public. Police Chief David Suckling said the death is under investigation, and there is no public threat, nor foul play, suspected.

Alexandria Police, with assistance from Bristol Police Officer Ronald Taylor and New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officer Josiah Towne, responded to a tip about a missing vehicle belonging to Dan Jones, 60, of Alexandria. Jones was reported missing since Dec. 1.

His vehicle was found along a remote road off Fowler River Road, and after a search, Jones' body was found near the vehicle. An autopsy conducted Wednesday confirmed his identity, but a cause of death has not been released, and Suckling did not known when it would be available.

Fowler River Road is located about 2 miles from the town police department, in a densely wooded area with few residences, and Suckling said Jones' body was found down a “very long,” unmaintained, road.

“By the time we knew he was missing, he was down a road that we couldn’t get in because of snow,” Suckling said. “It was a remote area that was inaccessible during the winter.”

According to a missing person report filed with the state dated Dec. 1, Jones was last known to be staying with a friend in Alexandria, and his clothing, cellphone and other belongings were left behind at the residence. He also reportedly collected mail every week at a Bristol address, and had not done so since December. The report stated Jones may have been driving a silver 2002 Ford.

Suckling understands the large public interest in the case, as Alexandria is a small community, and Jones was well known in town. He said after police determined Jones was missing, officers conducted a “massive investigation that involved federal, state and local agencies.”

Early information led investigators to believe Jones may not have been in Alexandria at all, but tips of all varieties came in, and were thoroughly investigated. Suckling said a third-hand tip from the public came from someone who was recently in the area where the truck was found.

“We chased down dozens of leads and reports during this investigation, and followed up with every single one of them,” Suckling said.

There was an outpouring of support from the community in the comment section of the Alexandria Police Department social media post about the discovery, from friends and family members of Jones, as well as those who praised the officers who found Jones’ body.

“Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, and we wish them well during this tough time,” Suckling said.