A man’s badly decomposed body was found on the shoreline of a waterfront park in Queens early Sunday morning, leaving the community in shock and authorities scrambling to piece together the circumstances surrounding his death. The NYPD Air/Sea Rescue helicopter was called to the scene to recover the body, which was found in a difficult-to-access area of the park.
What Happened
At approximately 8:40 a.m. on Sunday, July 6, 2025, a 911 caller alerted police to the discovery of a decomposed body near the waters’ edge of Spring Creek Park, located off 163rd Ave. and 83rd St. in the Howard Beach section of Queens. Given the marshy terrain and challenging location, emergency responders had to use a NYPD Air/Sea Rescue helicopter to retrieve the body.
The man, whose identity has yet to be confirmed, was pronounced dead on the scene. The difficult conditions of the area prevented a typical recovery effort, necessitating the use of the helicopter. Authorities have not released further details regarding the man’s identity, and the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office will be responsible for determining the cause of death.
Who Was Involved
The deceased man has not been identified as of now. The NYPD is working on gathering further information and is seeking to identify the individual. At this time, there are no details regarding any potential witnesses or individuals connected to the incident.
Police or Witness Statement
According to the NYPD, the body was found in a marshy section of Spring Creek Park by the 911 caller. The police have not yet released any details on whether foul play is suspected, and an investigation is underway. “The terrain made it difficult to recover the body, which is why the helicopter was required,” said an NYPD spokesperson.
The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death, and further details about the case are expected once the individual is identified and an autopsy is conducted.
Public or Community Reaction
The discovery of the body has shocked local residents of the Howard Beach and surrounding areas. Many are left with questions regarding the circumstances of the man’s death. Community members are anxiously waiting for further updates from authorities regarding the identity and cause of death. The NYPD is asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Closing
As the investigation continues, the NYPD is focused on identifying the man and determining the cause of his death. The use of a helicopter to remove the body indicates the complexity of the situation, and investigators will leave no stone unturned in this case.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.