LYSANDER -- The Onondaga County Sheriff's Office tells CNY Central that a body believed to be of missing hunter Gary Jackson has been found by search teams.
Deputies report that around 10:00 Sunday night they were informed by family members that 63-year-old Gary L. Jackson of Pennellville had not returned from a hunting trip. Jackson had entered the area along Kellogg Road and Smokey Hollow Road in Lysander around 12:30 Sunday afternoon.
Police say Jackson's body was found by the Air-1 flight crew around 8:30 Monday morning about a quarter mile from Route 48 near the CSX railroad tracks. He was found floating in several feet of water in a marsh inside the Three Rivers Wildlife Management area. Police believe Jackson was pursuing a deer when he stumbled into the water.
"He may have seen the deer of his life and he's not focused on where his feet are, but probably where the game is. He might not have seen the water because of the darkness," said Onondaga County Undersheriff Warren Darby.
Officials say they are waiting on an autopsy to officially determine the cause of Jackson's death. They say there are no signs of foul play.
Crews began searching the area around 10:30 Sunday night. Jackson was described as a white male, 6’0” tall, blue eyes and short grey hair. He was last seen wearing “Real Tree” camo pants and jacket, green camouflage calf-length boots, and a brown “Real Tree” fanny-pack.
A reverse 911 call to the surrounding area was made.
Darby says Jackson's death should serve as a reminder to other hunters about the importance of hunting with a partner.
"In this particular case, once it gets around dusk it gets dangerous. You can't see everything you need to see to keep yourself safe, especially if you're chasing game," he says.
