Hamilton police have identified a man found dead near Pier 4 on Tuesday and say his death is “suspicious.”
During a Wednesday afternoon press conference, Det. Sgt. Sarah Beck from the police service’s homicide unit said a nearby resident walking her dog found 50-year-old Jason Gallant unresponsive.
He was at the north end of the park near the water’s edge when he was found on Tuesday morning, Beck said.
The woman called 911 at roughly 8 a.m., and tried to revive Gallant but he was later pronounced dead at the scene, according to Beck.
Beck said given Gallant’s injuries, the homicide unit considers his death “suspicious” but did not share details about what the injuries were.
She said it’s unclear why he was near the Leander Boat Club at the time but said police believe he was there for hours and whatever happened to him occurred overnight.
“We have information there were residents in the park and utilizing the space right up until the death,” Beck said.
Gallant’s cause of death hasn’t been confirmed but an autopsy is scheduled for Thursday, Beck added.
Beck said officers spent nearly 12 hours scouring the scene on Tuesday while trying to protect evidence from the wind and rain.
She said police are working with the boat club and the port authority. They are also planning to speak to the Hamilton man’s family, she said.
Officers will continue canvassing the area during the day and will be collecting video.
Anyone with information about the incident should also contact police, Beck said.
Police said this is the city’s third homicide of the year.