Easton — Authorities have identified a 30-year-old man found dead on the Delaware River shoreline at Delaware Canal State Park on Saturday morning as Jayson Bernardo of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, Easton police and the Northampton County coroner announced Tuesday.
What officials have released
Police said Bernardo was discovered on the riverbank in the 200 block of South Delaware Drive around 6:40 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5. The scene was processed and closed to the public for several hours; officers reopened the area at roughly 9:30 a.m.
Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek and Easton police confirmed Bernardo’s identity but did not release a cause or manner of death. Both agencies said the circumstances remain under investigation and provided no additional details on possible contributing factors.
Ongoing inquiry and public outreach
Easton police are continuing their investigation. At this stage, investigators have not identified any suspects or disclosed whether foul play is suspected. No further information was released by the department or the coroner’s office as of Tuesday.
Media outlets that first reported the identification invited those who knew Bernardo to share memories, photos or information that might be relevant to investigators. Officials have not announced any planned memorials or obituary details.
Location context: Delaware Canal State Park
Delaware Canal State Park — the stretch along South Delaware Drive where Bernardo was found — is a popular corridor that runs along the Delaware River and attracts walkers, anglers and visitors from both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. When incidents occur along the river or towpath, they often prompt searches and temporary closures so investigators can process evidence and ensure public safety.
- Time of discovery: ~6:40 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 5
- Area closed: Scene cleared and area reopened around 9:30 a.m.
- Agencies involved: Easton Police Department, Northampton County Coroner’s Office
| Detail | Reported information |
|---|---|
| Identified individual | Jayson Bernardo, 30, Phillipsburg, N.J. |
| Discovery location | 200 block of South Delaware Drive, Delaware Canal State Park, Easton |
| Discovery time | Around 6:40 a.m., Sept. 5 |
| Scene reopened | About 9:30 a.m. the same day |
Public safety and community impact
Incidents along the river and towpath can raise questions about safety for regular users of the park. While officials have not linked Bernardo’s death to any broader risk, the temporary closure of the area demonstrates the procedures followed when law enforcement must secure and examine a scene.
Residents who frequent the park said they rely on prompt information from authorities when access is restricted or when investigations are underway. Local police agencies typically balance releasing details that keep the public informed with preserving the integrity of an investigation.
How the public can help
Authorities have not asked for public assistance in this case through formal appeals as of Tuesday. However, anyone with information that might relate to Bernardo’s whereabouts before Saturday morning or who has photos, video or other details from the area that could aid investigators is encouraged to contact the Easton Police Department directly.
Media outlets that posted Bernardo’s identification also invited friends and family to share tributes, photos or funeral information via their contact channels.
As the investigation proceeds, the coroner’s office will determine and release the cause and manner of death when appropriate. WE NEWS will update this report as new information becomes available from Easton police or the Northampton County Coroner’s Office.
Simone Alvarez is the state correspondent for WE NEWS covering regional public safety and community affairs.
