Body found on Portsmouth beach ID'd as retired Naval commander
PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (AP) — State officials have identified the body of a retired Naval commander who was found in the water at a Portsmouth beach.
The state Department of Environmental Management says the body of 77-year-old Ronald Atkins was found on Wednesday morning at Teddy's Beach.
Officials say they believe Atkins, who was wearing a wetsuit, had been kayaking. A kayak was found a short distance away.
The state medical examiner's office has taken custody of the body. Foul play is not suspected.
The Providence Journal reports Atkins was a former director of residential life at Salve Regina University in Newport. He was awarded the Salve Regina Mission Award after retiring in 2010.
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