Identity Confirmed for Body Found in Susquehanna

LOCK HAVEN, PA – Clinton County Coroner Zach Hanna announced Tuesday that the human remains recovered from the Susquehanna River in Pine Creek Township in July of this year were those of Alex F. Mardis of Avis.

The coroner released a statement that said the cause and manner of death could not be determined after an extensive investigation and analysis. He said positive identification through DNA determined the remains were that of Mardis. The 31-year-old man was last seen on Oct. 30, 2019 in the vicinity of the discovery.

Hanna’s release said the investigation into the incident was done in conjunction with state police.

Authorities last July said two fishermen in a boat observed the body in the water near South Avis. State police were called and a crew from Lock Haven’s Citizens Hose Company and divers responded.

Hanna said at the time it would “take some time” to establish an identity.

The coroner’s statement:

In conjunction with the Pennsylvania State Police and the Clinton County Coroner’s Office, the investigation into the human remains that were recovered from the Susquehanna River near River Road, Pine Creek Twp., on July 2, 2020 has concluded. Positive identification by means of DNA analysis determined that the remains were that of Mr. Alex F. Mardis, a 31 year old male from Pine Creek Twp., Clinton County. Mr. Mardis was last seen on October 30, 2019 in the vicinity of the discovery. Following extensive investigation and forensic analysis, neither the cause nor manner of death could be determined.