Missing man found dead of apparent overdose
Hypodermic needles were near the body of 56-year-old Frederick S. Conklin, the village police chief says.
A 56-year-old man reported missing by family members has been found dead of a suspected drug overdose, village police said Thursday.
Frederick S. Conklin, who was described by police Wednesday as transient and addicted to opiates, was found dead behind a building on U.S. Route 209 in the village about 7 p.m. Wednesday, Police Chief Philip Mattracion said.
“Evidence found at the scene was consistent with a possible overdose,” the chief said.
Mattracion said hypodermic needles, one still containing an unidentified liquid, were found at the scene. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday morning, the chief said.
“He appears to have succumbed to the demons that had possessed him,” the chief said. “Far too many people are becoming victims of this growing problem.”
Mattracion said he was participating in a community forum on opiate addiction at Ellenville High School when he was informed of Conklin’s death.
Conklin last was seen on foot at about noon Saturday, Mattracion said Wednesday. He was reported missing that day by his daughter and sister.
The police chief said Conklin overdosed on heroin two weeks ago and was saved with Narcan, which can revive unconscious heroin addicts and is used by first responders.