Barry Cowsill’s Body Found

Barry Cowsill, who was reported missing after Hurricane Katrina struck his adopted home of New Orleans, has died and his body has been found, his family confirmed on its Web site January 5th.

An unconfirmed report posted on the Web site of syndicated TV program “The Insider” said the musician’s body was found December 27th at the Charles Street Wharf in New Orleans and identified as Cowsill through dental records.

Family members and fans were hopeful that Cowsill, 51, escaped New Orleans after reportedly leaving a voice mail message for sister Susan Cowsill after the storm.

In addition, some believed they had spotted Cowsill on a videotaped report from the New Orleans Convention Center when it was being used as an evacuee shelter.

On the family’s Web site, Cowsill.com, a black banner, photographs of Barry and a memorial book were quickly posted.

Surviving family members include siblings Susan, Richard, Bill, Bob, Paul and John.

The Cowsills are widely credited as the inspiration for “The Partridge Family.” The performing family scored hits in the late 1960s and early ’70s with pop gems including “The Rain, The Park and Other Things,” “Indian Lake” and “Hair,” which was released as a single from the legendary Broadway musical.