Search For Eric Langlois Suspended

Almost one week since New Milford photographer and Brookfield High School grad Eric Langlois was reported missing, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) officials have scaled back the search. The volunteer effort, organized by Langlois’ fellow photographers, has also been suspended.

In a statement released Sunday, DEEP officials said, “Everything possible has been done to find Eric or recover his body, unfortunately without the success we all hoped for.”

“Everyone at DEEP understand that this is an emotional and sad time for friends, family and colleagues of Eric Langlois,” the office said. “After carefully evaluating the situation and conferring with State Police and other local and regional search partners, EnCon Police have determined that they will now scale back the intensity of the search.”

Officers will still be doing periodic sweeps of the area around Lake Lillinonah, both on foot and by boat, and will follow up on any new information they receive, however for the time being, the full-scale search effort has been canceled.

In a post on the Facebook group “Help Find Eric Langlois,” friend and colleague Nicole Taylor wrote that the organized volunteer effort has also been halted.

“At this time we are calling off any coordinated volunteer efforts and stepping back to let the DEEP and state police continue to do what they need to do to bring him home,” she wrote. “You are welcome to come and show your support but there is no coordinated search effort being organized.”

Friends will be gathering together Monday evening at 7:30 p.m. at the entrance to Lovers Leap in New Milford for a candlelight vigil in Langlois’ honor.