Body discovered in Sudbury River; believed to be man who fell from bridge

(Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff)

Divers searching the river earlier today.

By Globe Staff

Divers searching the Sudbury River in Framingham have found the body of a man who is believed to have fallen off a highway bridge last night.

The body of Samuel Githiabii, 30, of Lawrence was found this afternoon behind 399 Central St., about a quarter mile from where officials believe he fell into the river, said Middlesex district attorney's spokesman Corey Welford.

Welford said officials believe Githiabii pulled over on a Massachusetts Turnpike bridge over the river due to a medical problem and his car made contact with the guardrail. Githiabii got out of the car and fell into the river, he said. Welford wouldn't say what Githiabii's medical problem was.

"We do not believe foul play to have been involved," said Welford. He said authorities were waiting for results from an autopsy.

The body was found by the combined efforts of dive teams from the state police and the Framingham fire and police departments, said Framingham Fire Department Assistant Chief John Magri.

The incident happened at about 8:05 last night, officials said.

State police and local fire and police departments searched until just before midnight last night. The search resumed at about 8 this morning, Sergeant Robert Bousquet, a state police spokesman, said.

• Comment
• Permalink
• Email