December 1, 2011
By Matt Stout, PatriotLedger.com
ABINGTON —
The body of an 83-year-old Quincy man who went hunting to
celebrate his birthday was found deep in the woods late Wednesday
night in what authorities are calling a “tragic accident.”
Francis A. Vignoni, who was described by law enforcement
officials as an avid hunter, went out alone at about 3 p.m.
Wednesday. When he did not return home after a few hours, worried
relatives called authorities.
After police searched for more than three hours Wednesday night,
a K9 team from the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department discovered
Vignoni’s body shortly before 11 p.m. in a heavily wooded area about
300 yards out from Chestnut Street, Abington Police Chief David
Majenski said.
It appears Vignoni became tangled in a “heavy, mucky” area,
Majenski said, and couldn’t free himself. He was pronounced dead at
the scene.
Majenski said the death appeared to be an accident, and the
Plymouth County District Attorney’s office said there were no signs
of foul play.
The state medical examiner’s office will conduct an autopsy to
determine the cause of death.
“This appears to be a very tragic accident,” said Bridget
Norton-Middleton, spokeswoman Plymouth County District Attorney
Timothy Cruz. “Our hearts go out to his family.”
About 20 people from several departments helped search for
Vignoni, including Abington police and fire, State Police, the
Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department and state Environmental Police.
Majenski said the State Police Air Wing was deployed and about 30
more officers from the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council were en
route when the body was discovered.
Four to five of Vignoni’s friends also helped look for him,
Majenski said.
“Unfortunately it wasn’t the outcome we were seeking, but the
(officials) and the dogs went through the muck and mire to locate
this individual. We knew time was an element. It’s a tragic ending,”
he said.
Matt Stout may be reached at mstout@enterprisenews.com.
