Body of missing Darien man found during morning search

UPDATED 11:15 a.m.

The body of 73-year-old Kimberly Drew was found in Murder Creek this morning, about 400 yards from where his ATV overturned Friday afternoon.

Drew was reportedly out on his property gathering maple sap for his syrup business when he apparently tried to cross the swollen creek, according to Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble.

Dibble said it was a portion of the creek he frequently crosses, but this time the waters were much higher than usual. It's unclear what happened at that point.

Drew, who lived on Broadway Road, is a former town supervisor, serving from 2000 through 2003.

"He was a very nice man, a good guy," said current Supervisor David Hagelberger. "The town would like to express our condolences to his family and friends."

According to Dibble, Drew left his house about 1 p.m.  He was scene by somebody about 2 p.m.  Concerned family members reported him missing at 5:20 p.m.  His ATV was found on a portion of Murder Creek near on the south side of Route 20 in the Harper Road area of Darien. The creek passes under Route 20 just west of Harper Road.

More than 50 volunteer firefighters participated in the search, which began about 6:30 on Friday, was suspended overnight and resumed at 7:30 this morning.

Drew's body was found at 8:40 a.m. on the side of the creek. Dibble said the water receded overnight making the search easier.

In all, seven fire companies participated, including Darien, Corfu, East Pembroke, Alexander, Alden, Crittenden, Attica and Bennington. Genesee County Emergency Services and Sheriff's Office also participated in the search. During Friday's search, Mercy Flight was in the air for about 30 minutes before winds forced the helicopter back to base. Water rescue teams from East Pembroke and Alden helped in the search.

"It was a team effort," said Darien Chief Dale Breitwieser.

The cause of death has not yet been determined. Dibble said it's not known at this time if Drew sustained injuries in the accident or if there was another medical issue that precipitated the accident.