Crews search Mansfield Hollow Lake after a body was found floating in it on Oct. 5. DNA testing later confirmed it was Robert Cavanaugh, who had been missing since Christmas Eve 2004.

By Josh Lanier From Daily Voice

Connecticut detectives, working with a state anthropologist, have identified the remains of a man found in a lake last month as a man who went missing in 2004, authorities said. 

Connecticut State Police were called to Mansfield Hollow Lake on Oct. 5 after someone spotted human remains floating on the surface. 

After a month of investigation and DNA testing, police have identified those remains as Robert Cavanaugh, who had been missing since Christmas Eve 2004. Police said they believe he left a suicide note at his home before leaving. 

He was 51 when he disappeared. 

Detectives inspected the clothing he was wearing and found a 1996 pick-up truck on the lake bed. That information helped narrow the search, and DNA testing confirmed the body was Cavanaugh.

The Connecticut State Police thanked the Mansfield Fire Department, DEEP, K9 units, ESU Dive Team, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for their help in the investigation.