Josh Barbour Confirmed Dead After Body Recovered From Oswego River

The family of Josh Barbour, an Uber driver who had been missing, has confirmed that he was the person whose body was recovered from the Oswego River on Sunday.

Authorities had earlier located a body believed to be connected to a vehicle that went into the river in Oswego. Family members later confirmed that the victim was Josh Barbour, who was 36 years old.

Family Confirms Tragic Loss

Barbour’s sister, Leslie, shared the heartbreaking confirmation in a message remembering her brother.

“RIP Josh Barbour 10/23/1989 – 3/15/2026,” she wrote.

“We received confirmation that it was his body that they pulled from the Oswego River this afternoon. We are on our way there, but we may be stopping along the way because emotions are high.”

She continued with an emotional tribute describing the bond she shared with her brother.

“I’m going to miss you like crazy little big brother. I’m going to miss you asking me questions about working out, how to approach girls at the gym you were crushing on, and our road trips. I’m going to miss our kayaking and hiking trips. I’m going to miss laughing at you ordering two meals in a restaurant and eating every last bite. I’m going to miss being your protective big sister.”

Body Located During Search Effort

According to the Oswego City Police Department, the body was discovered around 11:30 a.m. Sunday after an officer conducting an aerial drone search spotted a body in the river near the west bank just north of West Schuyler Street.

Deputy Chief Damian Waters said officers from the New York State Police assisting with the search were nearby in a boat and were directed to the location, where the body was recovered.

Authorities also located the vehicle associated with the incident in about 40 feet of water in the river.

Car Reportedly Entered River Early Sunday

Emergency crews first began searching the river after police and firefighters responded around 1:52 a.m. Sunday to a report of a vehicle going into the water near West Seneca Street.

Phil Cady said when first responders arrived at the scene, the vehicle was not visible in the water. However, investigators discovered broken fencing, tire tracks, and pieces of plastic molding believed to have come from a vehicle, indicating that a car had entered the river.

Difficult Search Conditions

Authorities launched a large search effort involving the Oswego Fire Department marine unit, the United States Coast Guard, and aerial drones.

Officials said the search was complicated by fast-moving river currents caused by recent snowmelt, creating hazardous conditions for rescue crews.

Investigation Ongoing

Officials initially withheld the identity of the victim while next of kin were notified. Family members have since confirmed the victim as Josh Barbour.

The circumstances surrounding how the vehicle entered the river remain under investigation.