Metropolitan Police Department (DC Police / MPD)

Police Identify Man Found Dead in Tidal Basin During Cherry Blossom Festival

Percy Chess was 65 and homeless

D.C police have identified the man whose body was found in the D.C. Tidal Basin late last month during the Cherry Blossom festival.

Percy R. Chess was the man found, police said Tuesday afternoon. He was 65 and homeless.

Chess' cause of death has not been determined, but investigators do not believe foul play was involved.

A paddle boater discovered the body as thousands pf people visited for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. 

D.C. police said the man fell into the water and his body was found near the paddle boat area of the partially manmade resevoir.

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