Body found floating in river was 35-year-old who was shot, Pennsylvania cops say
Joshua Daywalt’s body was discovered floating in a river by a person passing by, Pennsylvania police said.
When officers took a closer look, they noticed a gunshot wound just behind his ear.
The 35-year-old’s death was ruled a homicide on Feb. 8, the day after he was found, police said in a March 4 news release.
No weapons have been found, and no suspects have been identified in connection with his killing, according to police. Now, officers are searching for information.
Police shared few details about Daywalt, only noting his age and that he was experiencing homelessness, according to the news release.
His mother, however, detailed how each day was a “fight for survival” as Daywalt navigated “woefully inadequate” resources he needed after he was diagnosed with schizophrenia among other mental health illnesses.
“His mental illnesses stole so much from him-his peace, his potential, and his sweetness. Each day was a fight, not just against the torment in his own mind, but against a world that does not understand and too often looks away,” she wrote in his obituary.
The 35-year-old is a father of two, a 16-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter, according to his obituary.
“Joshua was a son, a brother, a father, a nephew, a grandchild and a soul who once carried light and laughter before the weight of severe mental illness dimmed his spirit,” his obituary said.
His mother shared stories about his love for history and baseball as a child and his dreams to become a veterinarian.
The medical examiner identified Daywalt’s body on Feb. 11, police said. He was originally from Phoenixville.
“Rest now, my sweet boy,” his mother said. “You are finally free.”
Phoenixville is about a 30-mile drive northwest from Philadelphia.
This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 2:22 PM with the headline "Body found floating in river was 35-year-old who was shot, Pennsylvania cops say."
