Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief Martin McParland of the Rockaway Township Police Department jointly announce the end of the investigation into the search of a missing canoeist in White Meadow Lake, Rockaway Township.
The search began on Sunday, November 22, 2015 at approximately 3:00 am, when members of the Rockaway Township Police Department were dispatched to White Meadow Lake regarding a capsized canoe, which contained two (2) Rockaway Township residents, ages 26 and 27.
Officer Jason Tozzi from the Rockaway Township Police Department was the first responder to the scene. He used an available canoe and was able to reach the only visible distressed male (age 26) in the lake, ultimately saving his life.
The rescued male (age 26) was transported to St. Clare's Denville Campus Hospital where he was later released.
A recovery operation at the lake was started on Sunday, November 22, 2015, for the second adult male (age 27). Today’s search continued to utilize sonar equipment monitored by the New Jersey State Police.
The third day of searching ended today, at approximately 9:30 a.m., when the deceased body of the second male (age 27) was located in the lake. Dr. Ronald V. Suarez, MD of the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office, pronounced the deceased male (age 27) at the scene. The cause and manner of death are pending.
At the request of the family, the identity of the male (age 27)found today will not be released.
Any inquiries can be directed to Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Deputy Chief of Investigations Denise H. Arseneault at 973-285-6262 or darseneault@co.morris.nj.us.