CLAVERACK — The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a body that was found floating in a pond in Claverack Thursday afternoon, Lt. John Rivero said.
The name, gender and age of the victim were not identified by police Thursday.
At about 12:45 p.m., Columbia County 911 sent Mellenville Fire Company, Greenport Rescue Squad and Columbia County Sheriff’s deputies to an area near 48 Schroder Road, after they received reports that a body was found floating in a pond next to the road.
Police would not reveal how the body was found or the circumstances surrounding the discovery.
Dozens of sheriff’s deputies and investigators were on the scene for several hours Thursday afternoon.
The Sheriff’s Office dive team responded to recover the body Thursday afternoon, Rivero said.
Police tape surrounded the area to keep onlookers at bay.
Schroder Road was closed to traffic in the area of the pond while the investigation was taking place.
The area of Schroder Road that is under investigation is located about a half mile off Route 217. The investigation is in the preliminary stages, Rivero said.
The Sheriff’s Office will release further information on the case Friday, Rivero said.
State police assisted in the investigation at the scene.
Check back for more on this developing story.