Bucksport Body Confirmed To Be Paul ‘June Bug’ Francis
The State Medical Examiner's office has confirmed that the body pulled from the river in Bucksport is missing Bangor man, Paul "June Bug" Francis III, according to a news release from the Bangor Police Department.
The body was recovered from the Penobscot River near the site of the former Verso paper mill in Bucksport on Saturday afternoon and taken to the Medical Examiner's office for an autopsy. DNA was used to identify the body as the man known as June Bug, who's been missing since Dec. 2.
The 29-year-old was last seen leaving a party on Sanford Street in Bangor after finishing up his shift at Geaghan's Pub. People at the gathering told police that he'd said he was heading home. When he didn't show up for work on Sunday, family and friends became worried and notified police. Some said he was showing signs of depression just before he disappeared and seemed despondent.
The Medical Examiner’s Office reports that the cause of death has not been determined pending further studies. At this time, there is no information that indicates that foul play was a factor in the death, police said.
A search was launched that has persisted until today's announcement. Family, friends, and even people who had never met June Bug but were touched by his story walked the streets of Bangor, knocked on doors, and handed out flyers. Updates were posted on a Facebook page every day. When a search dog with DEEMI tracked his scent near the river, searchers began shoreline patrols, looking for any sign of June Bug.
The State Medical Examiner's office used DNA to confirm the identity of the body and bring closure to his family and friends. Paul 'June Bug' Francis III leaves behind a young son, lots of family and friends, and a community who mourns his loss.