Lake Congamond Search Ends Tragically as Body of Suffield Man is Found

A two-day search on Lake Congamond’s middle pond in Southwick, MA, came to a tragic end Monday afternoon when the body of a Suffield man was recovered by divers from Massachusetts local and state police organizations.

Although Southwick Police did not identify the drowning victim, Suffield Police Chief Mike Manzi said the man was Larry Cauley, who grew up in Suffield. Cauley was with a group of friends on a pontoon boat when he either jumped or fell into the lake shortly before 1 a.m. Cauley had difficulty swimming and three other people on the boat attempted to rescue him, according to a press release from Southwick Police.

Cauley was a 22-year-old Suffield High School graduate and a member of the school’s wrestling team. He had lived in his family’s home on Mather Street, owned by his aunt and uncle Catherine and William Hill, his adoptive guardians. The home and the family were featured on a 2009 episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

Southwick police responded to a call for assistance from residents on the lake’s shore who heard cries for help. The pontoon boat was about 200 feet from shore and in 30-foot-deep water when the incident occurred.

A rescue operation began as police arrived, utilizing a boat owned by a lake resident. Southwick Police called in Massachusetts Environmental and State Police for assistance after the initial response. The groups began collective search and dive operations by 8:30 a.m. Sunday, according to the release.

The search was called off due to darkness on Sunday night and resumed at 8:30 a.m. Monday. Cauley’s body was found at 12:40 p.m. close to where he was originally reported missing.

Manzi said Suffield police were not involved in the search, but his department was informed of the situation early on.

“We have a good working relationship,” Manzi said.

The investigation is now in the hands of the Massachusetts medical examiner and Massachusetts State Police, according to the Southwick Police press release.

Public boat launches on Lake Congamond near the accident site were closed for the duration of the search. They re-opened Monday afternoon.

Do you want to share your memories of Larry Cauley? Send a message to Local Editor Perry Robbin.