Retired assistant U.S. attorney found dead in Niagara River

North Tonawanda Police have launched an investigation into the death of a retired assistant U.S. attorney.

63-year-old George C. Burgasser's body was found in the water at Smith Boys marina off Tonawanda Island Sunday night.

Police believe the death was likely an accident or related to a medical event. An autopsy is now scheduled to take place to determine the cause of death.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of New York released the following statement Monday:

On behalf of George Burgasser’s family here at the United States Attorney’s Office, we are heartbroken to learn this devastating news.  For over 29 years, George served the Department of Justice, first in Washington, D.C., and eventually as an Assistant United States Attorney here in Buffalo.  He served his country and our community with distinction.  He was everyone’s friend.  Fellow prosecutors, the defense bar, judges, juries, and even those he prosecuted, all respected George, but perhaps, most telling is the fact they all liked George as well.  He was passionate about his work yet remained compassionate to all with whom he came into contact.  He lived and worked by the greatest legal precept of all—the Golden Rule.  Our condolences go out to George’s loving family and countless friends. He will be missed by all. 

Prominent Buffalo defense attorney, Paul Cambria, tells 7 Eyewitness News Burgasser was "fair, honest, objective" and "you couldn't ask for a better guy."