Body of missing New York man was being guarded by his faithful pit bull when he was found dead, police say

A man was found dead this week in northwest New York, and his dog, still alive, was with him, authorities said.

The man was found in Lewis County, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

A local camp owner found the body of Cody M. Johnson, 39, around 3:35 p.m. Wednesday, Investigator James Blackwell of the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department said Friday afternoon. His pit bull was right by his side.

“His dog Afton was not gone…Cody alone and (the dog) was healthy,” Blackwell wrote in an email, later adding that it appears Johnson may have died because he was outside in the cold.

Jeff Tompkins, Lewis County prosecutor and coroner, confirmed to USA TODAY that an autopsy is scheduled for Saturday morning.

At first, Johnson’s dog didn’t move when investigators tried to move him, but once they offered him water and biscuits, he calmed down, the TV station reported WWNY. Her dog is being cared for by a family friend but will ultimately be placed with family members in North Carolina, WWNY reported.

The man was reported missing Sunday afternoon, the sheriff’s office announced Sunday on Facebook. He was last seen at 2:30 a.m. Saturday at his home in Watson, about 95 miles northeast of Syracuse. He made a phone call at 11:30 a.m. that day, and that was the last time anyone heard from him.

Authorities also announced Sunday that her dog, a pit bull with a black and white harness, was missing.

“Cody may be on foot in the area, which is heavily wooded,” the sheriff’s office wrote, asking for help finding him.

New York State Forest Rangers assisted in the search.

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Remembering Cody Johnson

Loved ones shared their thoughts on Johnson’s passing, remembering him as being kind when he felt comfortable opening up to people.

“You have impacted many lives in many ways,” one Facebook user wrote. “You were such a nice guy and you didn’t come out of your shell for just anyone. I’m happy to have gotten to know you. I will never forget you.

The poster added that they were happy that Afton, their dog, was OK, but also that he had attracted the attention of people who could help find Johnson.

“He is such a loyal dog that he stayed with you until we found you,” the Facebook user added.

This story has been updated to clarify a quote from the Sheriff’s Department.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s NOW team. She is originally from Norfolk, Virginia. – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at @SaleenMartin or send him an email at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cody Johnson’s dog was guarding his body when he was found dead: Police