MACHIAS, N.Y. -ðThe body found by a boat launch on South Nine
Mile Road in Allegany Wednesday has been identified as that of a
missing Allegany woman.

According to the Machias-based state police, Barbara Fowler’s
body was found by a state trooper in a field close to the Allegany
River. It was taken to Olean General Hospital, where it was
positively identified by family members, police said.

The cause of death was not available Thursday, but police said
an autopsy would be performed. The investigation continues.

Cattaraugus County Coroner Brad Spink was not immediately
available for further information Thursday night.

Fowler, 59, was reported missing Nov. 30.

The state police, Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s department, local
forest rangers, volunteer firefighters and a search team from
Livingston County all assisted with the search for Fowler in the
week following her disappearance. The search was suspended Dec. 6
due to inclement weather.

Fowler reportedly lived alone on South Nine Mile Road and was
last seen walking her dog, a white Lhasa Apso, near the Allegheny
River.

There was no further information Thursday at press time.