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Body With Chains Around Legs Pulled Out Of Queens Marina
By
Jake Offenhartz
Published Oct 3, 2018
Modified Oct 4, 2018
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By
Jake Offenhartz
Published Oct 3, 2018
Modified Oct 4, 2018
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The fully clothed body of a man with chains around his legs was found floating in a Queens marina on Tuesday morning, authorities said.
Police have since identified the man as Michael Panico, a 53-year-old resident of Jackson Heights. According to a police spokesperson, the body was spotted by a passerby in the vicinity of the World's Fair Marina in Flushing Harbor, near Citi Field, at around 9:15 a.m. The body was face down, and had chains around both of his legs, the witness told police.
A few hours later, a second, unidentifiable body was found decomposed in a wooded area near 72nd St. and 41st Ave. in Jackson Heights. Police sources tell the Daily News that the two deaths are likely not related.
The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of Panico's death.
Update: The Medical Examiner has determined that Panico entered the water himself in order to commit suicide, according to an agency spokesperson.
If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide: do not leave the person alone; remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt; and call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional.
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Jake Offenhartz
Jake Offenhartz is a former Gothamist reporter.
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