Shocking Twist: Missing Man Found Dead, ‘Wasn’t Alone’ in Upstate NY!
A missing man from Upstate New York was tragically found dead, but he wasn’t alone in his final moments. The 39-year-old man, Cody Johnson, had been missing for several days when his body was discovered with his loyal service dog by his side.
Johnson, who was from the Town of Watson in Lewis County, New York, went missing in the early morning hours of October 12.
The search for him quickly intensified, with multiple agencies and volunteers joining the effort to locate him. According to reports, Johnson was last seen at around 5:30 a.m. that morning, and when he failed to return home, concern grew among his family and friends.
The search efforts, which included 13 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Rangers, local fire departments, New York State Police, members of the New York State Division of Homeland Security, and Lewis County Sheriff’s deputies, began on October 13.
As the days passed, more volunteers joined the search, hoping to find Johnson safe and well. Despite their relentless efforts, it wasn’t until October 16, around 3:30 p.m., that Johnson’s body was discovered by a member of the public in a forested area of Upstate New York.
Authorities believe that Johnson died as a result of exposure to the cold weather, which had been harsh in the days leading up to his discovery.
However, there was a bittersweet moment in the tragic discovery — his service dog, a pit bull named Afton, was found right next to him, remaining by his side throughout the ordeal.
Lewis County Sheriff Mike Carpinelli expressed some comfort in knowing that Johnson wasn’t alone in his final moments. “I think it’s in a way a little comforting knowing he wasn’t alone out there,” Sheriff Carpinelli said.
“The dog had been with him for quite a while. His companion and the loyalty he had with Cody is something that really stands out.
He stayed with him all those days and nights. Just hearing that the animal was with the owner shows the loyalty that dogs have to their owners. It’s a bond that’s hard to break.”
Afton, the pit bull who stayed by Johnson’s side through it all, has been placed with a family friend and will soon be sent to Johnson’s relatives in North Carolina, where he will be taken care of.
This tragic story highlights not only the efforts of search and rescue teams and the dedication of volunteers but also the incredible loyalty and companionship of animals.
While the circumstances of Cody Johnson’s death are heartbreaking, the fact that his dog stayed with him until the very end offers a small sense of comfort to those who knew him.
As more details come to light, the community is grieving for the loss of a man who was loved by many while also reflecting on the loyalty and bond between him and his loyal service animal.