Body of journalist David Bird found in Jersey river

NEW YORK, March 20 (UPI) -- The body of missing Wall Street Journal reporter David Bird was found Thursday in the Passaic River in New Jersey.

He went missing near his home in January 2014. Bird told his wife, Nancy, he was going out for a walk after he took down his Christmas tree and never returned.

The body was found on March 18 by two men canoeing in the river. They identified a red jacket in the water -- the same jacket Bird was wearing when he was last seen.

The investigation is ongoing, but Morris County officials believe no foul play was involved.

"We are deeply saddened by the news from the Morris County Prosecutor's Office that the body found in the Passaic River on the afternoon of January 18, 2015 (the same day this website was launched) has been identified as David Bird," says the website.

Bird had a long career at Dow Jones & Co., serving as deputy managing editor for its energy service.

"David Bird was a long-standing and valued member of the Dow Jones newsroom, and we are deeply saddened to learn today of his death," said Gerard Baker, editor in chief of the Journal. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."

The body was positively identified as Bird through dental records.