By: Richard L. Smith
Ocean County officials reported that a tragic incident occurred at Prospertown Lake on August 3, 2024, involving a missing kayaker is under investigation.
Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said at approximately 2:00 p.m., Jackson Township Police responded to a report of a missing person in the lake area.
Upon arrival, officers learned that John Pereira, 29, of Old Bridge, had gone missing after his kayak capsized.
Witnesses reported that Mr. Pereira was not wearing a personal flotation device and was believed to have drowned.
The search for Mr. Pereira continued through the night, and on August 4, 2024, at approximately 3:55 p.m., search and rescue divers recovered his deceased body from the lake.
Mr. Pereira’s body was then transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where a post-mortem examination is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of water safety and the use of personal flotation devices while engaging in water activities.