Body Found on Beach, Foul Play Not Suspected

UPDATE, 11:30 A.M.: Police don't suspect foul play in the death of a local man found floating in the water off Foss Beach in Rye mid Tuesday morning.

Rye Police Chief Kevin Walsh said the medical examiner will evaluate the body, which he said was found around 10:07 a.m. by two contractors in the area of 1677 Ocean Blvd.

"It doesn't appear to be suspicious at this time, but we're going to take a closer look to confirm," he said.

Walsh said authorities are withholding the name of the man, whom he said is in his 50s and "lives in the area," until family can be notified.

He said the man was likely in the water for 10 to 12 hours before the contractors found him floating two to three feet offshore. The contractors pulled the body from the water, at which time it was "obvious the man had passed," he said.

Walsh said the man was dressed "unusually," without a shirt, but with pants and sneakers, when he was found.

The report went first through the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office, and Walsh said the contractors then called his department. The Rye police and fire departments arrived on scene shortly after the call, and unsuccessfully performed medical aid on the man.

Crews were still on scene around 11:30 a.m.

Police asked anyone in the Foss Beach area or if anyone saw anything unusual this morning or Monday night to contact the Rye Police Department at 964-5522.

More information to come.

ORIGINAL STORY: Police and emergency personnel are responding to a report that a body has washed up on the beach along Route 1A in Rye this morning.

The report of a body in the water was first received shortly after 10 this morning, according to emergency radio broadcasts. The body was reportedly found in the area of 1677 Ocean Blvd., also known as Route 1A.

Hampton-North Hampton Patch will have more on this story as it develops.