Body of missing teen recovered after exhaustive search

A three-day search for a missing Canton teen ended in tragedy on Saturday with the recovery of the body of 19-year-old Ryan Lahiff in the woods behind Morris Drive, off Pleasant Street.

Ryan Lahiff

Deputy Police Chief Helena Rafferty said no foul play is suspected but a final determination will be made by the chief medical officer.

A 2019 Catholic Memorial School graduate, Lahiff was last seen on Wednesday, July 15, and reported missing the following morning. Police initially scoured the area around Dedham and Chapman streets and the search continued into Friday with the assistance of outside agencies and civilian groups. On Saturday, police expanded their search to the area between Sherman and Pleasant streets and asked residents of the area to check any outbuildings or sheds on their property.

At 4 p.m. on Saturday, the CPD announced on social media that Lahiff had been located. “We ask that you please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers and respect their privacy,” the statement said. “Thank you to all of the civilian and law enforcement personnel who assisted with the search.”

“It was a tragic outcome,” Rafferty added. “We appreciate all the tips we received from residents, residents outside of Canton, and outside police teams.”

In a Twitter post on Sunday, Police Chief Ken Berkowitz said the entire Canton Police Department was “heartbroken” over the results of the search. “I’m proud of the [Canton police] response,” Berkowitz said. “We searched over 225 acres, underwater areas and from the air. Thanks to our sworn and public partners. RIP Ryan.”

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Posted by Mike Berger on Jul 24 2020. Filed under News, Police & Fire. Both comments and pings are currently closed.