Jefferson Twp., N.J. – The New Jersey State Police have located the body of Jason Gill, 24, of Mount Arlington, N.J., who fell off a vessel and went missing in Lake Hopatcong on Saturday, August 3.
Officials say at approximately 7:42 p.m., troopers from the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau responded to the report of a man who fell off a pontoon boat and submerged without resurfacing near Main Lake Market. During the weekend, Marine Services Bureau troopers conducted a search of the area using side scan sonar sub-surface detection equipment. Assisting in the search were State Police Aviation and T.E.A.M.S. Units as well as Jefferson Fire Department.
Today, at approximately 6:30 a.m., the body of Gill was observed by a boater in the vicinity of the search area and recovered by Marine Services Bureau troopers.
The Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office took possession of Gill for an autopsy.
As a result of the investigation, troopers discovered that the operator of the vessel, Nicholas Zarantonello, 24, of Lake Hopatcong, was under the influence and was arrested.
Police say he was charged with boating under the influence and released pending a future court date.
The case remains under investigation by the New Jersey State Police Troop “B” Criminal Investigation Office and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
Charges are mere accusations, and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.
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