Swimmer Dies After Going Underwater At East Brunswick Lake

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — A 59-year-old man drowned Wednesday afternoon at Dallenbach Lake, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation involving local, county and state agencies, according to the East Brunswick Police Department.

Police said they were called to the lake at 380 Dunhams Corner Road around 3:34 p.m. after receiving a report that a man swimming there had gone underwater and failed to resurface.

The response drew in the East Brunswick Office of Emergency Management, all three East Brunswick fire districts, the Perth Amboy Police and Fire Dive Team, New Jersey State Police aviation and marine units, and RWJBarnabas Health EMS crews.

Divers from the Perth Amboy Fire Department eventually found the man in the lake and pulled him from the water. RWJBarnabas Health paramedics began emergency treatment on scene and rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, police said.

Police have not released the man's name, citing the need to notify next of kin first, and said no further identifying details would be made public for now.

The department's Investigative Division is continuing to look into the circumstances of the drowning but said there's currently no evidence of foul play, police said.

Police Chief Frank LoSacco praised the response, calling it proof of the close working relationships among the town's public safety agencies.

"This was an incredibly challenging and heartbreaking incident. I want to express my sincere gratitude to every first responder who worked tirelessly throughout this operation. This response is a testament to the strong partnerships that exist among our law enforcement, fire service, EMS, and public safety agencies. Working together, these dedicated professionals brought an immense amount of expertise, resources, and commitment to this difficult operation," LoSacco said.

"On behalf of the East Brunswick Police Department, I extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Investigative Division at 732-390-6990, or to submit tips anonymously through the department's confidential tip line at 732-4EBTIPS.

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