Missing man crushed in trash compactor

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) - Niagara Falls Police say a maintenance man at One Niagara - a welcome center in Niagara Falls - who disappeared on July 4th was crushed in a trash compactor.

Detectives say surveillance video shows 67 year-old John Adams falling into the compactor late that night. One Niagara's president calls it a "startling and tragic discovery."  AP reports that Adams' sister Evie Shephard said building officials told her he slipped into the compactor while trying to retrieve a fallen trash bin.

>> read about Adams' family's search for him

One Niagara Developer Frank Paralato and President Tony Farina had offered a $1,500 reward to anyone with information about Adams's whereabouts.  His family had hung paper signs in the area seeking information about his disappearance.

Adams lived near One Niagara and often walked to work.  He had worked there approximately five years.  He was the father of five grown children.

Authorities have ruled out foul play in the incident, calling it an "occupational accident". >> READ MORE about this tragedy here