Body Found Inside Niagara falls, Identified As Niagara falls Police Officer

Remains Found at Niagara Falls Identified as Missing Police Officer

Niagara Falls,

A long-standing mystery has finally come to a heartbreaking conclusion as authorities confirmed that human remains discovered near the base of Niagara Falls have been positively identified as those of Officer Mark Daniels, a Niagara Falls Police Department officer who vanished nearly five years ago under unexplained circumstances.

The discovery was made last week when a group of tourists spotted what appeared to be human remains lodged in rocks near the lower Niagara Gorge. Emergency responders and forensic investigators quickly arrived on the scene, and the remains were retrieved and transported to the Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office for examination. On Tuesday, April 29, DNA testing confirmed the identity of Officer Daniels, bringing closure to a case that has haunted both the police department and the local community since 2020.

A Disappearance That Shocked the City

Officer Mark Daniels was last seen on duty on the evening of July 17, 2020. According to police reports, he had responded to a routine call near the falls but never checked back in. His patrol car was later found abandoned near Prospect Point, with his radio still inside and the engine turned off. Despite an extensive search that involved helicopters, dive teams, and volunteer rescuers, no trace of Daniels was found—until now.

The case quickly captured local and national attention, as theories about Daniels’ fate ranged from an accidental fall to foul play. Investigators at the time said there was no evidence suggesting a struggle or crime, but the mysterious nature of his disappearance left more questions than answers.

Over the years, the department kept the case open, with annual reminders issued to the public and renewed efforts each summer when water levels and weather made search efforts more feasible. The confirmation of Daniels’ identity has reopened the conversation about what exactly happened that night.

The Discovery

The breakthrough came on April 23, 2025, when a group of Canadian tourists on a guided hike noticed bones and remnants of clothing in a rocky crevice on the American side of the falls. Park rangers were alerted and called in the Niagara Falls Police Department. The location was difficult to access due to strong currents and slippery terrain, but a special recovery team managed to extract the remains after several hours.

Along with skeletal remains, the team found a badge, a partially preserved uniform, and personal items including a wristwatch and a utility belt, all consistent with Niagara Falls Police Department gear. A preliminary forensic analysis pointed to a likely fall and significant injuries consistent with high-impact trauma.

The final confirmation came via DNA analysis matched against a sample provided by Daniels’ sister, who had maintained close contact with investigators throughout the years.

Community Reaction

News of the identification has sparked an outpouring of grief and remembrance from the community, fellow officers, and public officials. A candlelight vigil is scheduled for May 2 at Niagara Falls City Hall to honor Officer Daniels’ service and sacrifice.

Niagara Falls Police Chief Rebecca Torres spoke at a press briefing Tuesday evening. “While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, we are grateful to finally bring Officer Daniels home,” she said, visibly emotional. “He served this community with honor, and we will never forget him. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and pledge to support them in every way we can.”

Mayor Robert Restivo also released a statement, saying, “Officer Daniels was a beloved member of our city. His dedication and bravery will forever be remembered. We now have the opportunity to honor his memory properly.”

Family Finally Finds Closure

Daniels’ family, who had kept hope alive for years, expressed a mixture of sorrow and relief. “It’s been an agonizing five years,” said his sister, Melissa Daniels, in a written statement. “Not knowing where he was or what happened has weighed on us every single day. While we’re devastated, we’re also thankful to finally have answers and a chance to lay Mark to rest.”

The Daniels family plans to hold a private funeral service next week, with a public memorial to follow. They have also requested donations be made in Mark’s name to local first responder support organizations.

Questions Remain

Although the discovery has closed the case of Officer Daniels’ disappearance, several unanswered questions remain. What exactly happened that night? Was he alone? Did he accidentally fall while pursuing someone or investigating a situation?

Chief Torres said the department is not ruling anything out. “We are reopening aspects of the original investigation to ensure we didn’t miss anything,” she said. “This includes reviewing body cam data, witness statements, and any potential new evidence that may emerge now that his remains have been found.”

She added that although there’s no immediate evidence of foul play, it remains critical to determine the full circumstances surrounding Daniels’ death out of respect for his memory and service.

Honoring His Legacy

Officer Mark Daniels had served on the Niagara Falls Police Department for eight years. Known among colleagues for his professionalism, friendly nature, and dedication, he was a respected figure in the department. Prior to his police service, Daniels served in the U.S. Navy and was an active volunteer with youth mentorship programs.

A scholarship fund is now being established in his name, aimed at supporting students who wish to pursue careers in law enforcement. The Niagara Falls Police Foundation has already pledged an initial $10,000 to the fund.

“Mark always believed in helping the next generation,” said Lieutenant Jason Porter, a close friend. “This scholarship will ensure his impact continues, even in death.”

Final Farewell

As flags fly at half-mast across city buildings, Niagara Falls reflects on the sacrifice of one of its own. Officer Daniels’ tragic end is a sobering reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face each day, and the profound grief that follows their loss.

In the words of Chief Torres: “We may never know everything about what happened that night, but what we do know is this: Officer Daniels was a hero. And heroes never truly disappear—they live on in the hearts of those they served.”