​Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 75-year-old man whose body was discovered floating in the McKinnons Salt Pond on Friday evening.

The deceased has been identified as Eric Colbourne of Athill Street, Villa.

According to police reports, officers were dispatched around 5:45 p.m. on May 15 after receiving information that a body had been seen in the water north of the Mystic Beach Bar.

When officers arrived on the scene, they observed the lifeless body of an elderly man floating in the shallow area of the pond. He was later identified as Colbourne.

Preliminary information indicates that Colbourne was last seen on Tuesday, May 12, walking along Runaway Beach Road.

Members of the St. John’s Fire Station assisted police in retrieving the body from the water. A medical doctor subsequently visited the scene and pronounced him dead at 7:06 p.m.

The exact circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, and investigators have not yet disclosed whether foul play is suspected. Police say inquiries are ongoing.

The Police Administration has extended condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased as the investigation continues.