LEWISTON, N.Y. (WIVB) — After more than a year of mystery, police have acknowledged the search for a missing Niagara County jeweler ended many months ago.

Lewiston Police officials say they recovered the body of Dominic Hofert, who went missing in February of 2015. A search ensued, involving the Coast Guard and local police officials.

Many of his former customers and friends spoke out, calling his disappearance a tragedy. Police announced on Tuesday that his body was recovered near Rochester in August of 2015.

The death was ruled an accidental drowning following an investigation, and officers say Hofert’s family asked police not to immediately release the information to the public as they desired privacy in the matter.

Officers said from the beginning of their investigation that they never suspected foul play in the beloved jeweler’s death.