Body of missing Belmont man found in pond

76-year-old Orland Berggren, of Belmont, went missing the afternoon of Tuesday April 25 and was located in a pond at the rear of his property in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The deceased family who reported they last saw Berggren clearing brush in the area where he was eventually found contacted police who called in the Valley and West Hants Ground Search and Rescue teams.

Belmont Hall president Cary Hollett said he was contacted around 7:30 am Wednesday morning and that two women from the hall rushed over to make bacon and eggs for some 20-30 Search and Rescue members who had been combing the area since 3 a.m. Hollett said there were also members of the public who “came and went trying to help and show their concern.”

He said the mood at the hall was somber and quiet but there was discussion around where to search and what they may face in the coming hours. “They didn’t expect a happy ending,” said Hollet.

And the ending was far from happy. When Berggren could not be found by Ground Search and Rescue the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team were called in and soon found the missing man’s body. “The biggest clue was the family dog who kept circling the pond,” said Hollett.

When the search ended there were some very cold and wet team members who were received at the hall with hot soup and sandwiches.

It was an emotional time for those at the hall as Berggren and his wife were great supporters of the Belmont Hall said Hollett.

Police said they do not suspect foul play but added the investigation continues. An autopsy was scheduled for April 27. Police would like to thank the Ground Search and Rescue teams as well as friends and family of the deceased and the numerous community members for assisting the police during such a difficult time.