UPDATE March 13, 2020: The Norfolk Medical Examiner says the cause of death for Leon Francis was drowning with exposure to environmental cold. The manner of death is considered an accident.


NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) – The family of Leon Francis confirms that the body found in the water Sunday is that of the previously reported missing man.

Units were called to the scene at the 200 block of Rivers Ridge Circle around 3 p.m. Sunday in reference to a report of a body in the water.

On arrival, officers located an individual in the water. Police say it appears that the body had been in the water for some length of time.

10 On Your Side has reported, Francis was last seen by his wife around 6:10 a.m. at their home off Wynn Drive on Jan. 14.

Related: Family holds candlelight vigil for Newport News man found dead after search

Previous coverage: 62-year-old man still missing from Newport News, but family isn’t giving up hope

No further information is available at this time and the investigation remains ongoing.