GORHAM

— The body discovered Tuesday afternoon is that of a man who was reported missing last month, police said.

Authorities believe Bernard E. Herring, 57, committed suicide. His body was found in an evergreen behind his apartment building at 464 Main St.

Herring was last seen April 11, walking away from his home, despondent and intoxicated. He was reported missing to police two days later.

Herring’s disappearance prompted a search that involved multiple agencies, volunteers, planes and cadaver dogs.

Herring’s body was about 22 feet off the ground, suspended from a tree on the apartment building property. A relative stopping by Herring’s home was on the porch when something in the tree caught his eye around 3 p.m., said Detective Sgt. Dana Thompson.

It wasn’t clear whether the search missed Herring’s body or if he returned to the property later.  Thompson said the time of Herring’s death would have to be determined by the state Medical Examiner’s Office.

Herring’s death remains under investigation, but Thompson said the evidence suggests Herring’s injuries were self-inflicted. He said police have no reason to believe the public is in danger.

12:05 a.m.

GORHAM — Local and State Police are investigating the discovery of a man’s body this afternoon in the town of Gorham.

Steve McCausland, spokesman for the Maine State Police, said the body was found at a location off Main Street.

State Police sent a detective to assist Gorham police with the investigation. McCausland said there was no indication of foul play.

Gorham police could not be reached for comment.

No other details are available at this time.

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