Authorities Recover Body Of Missing Fisherman: Fairfield Police

FAIRFIELD, CT — The body of a Queens, New York, man who was reported missing after a fishing incident off Fairfield's Penfield Beach was found over the weekend on a beach near Shoreline Drive in Stratford, according to Fairfield police.

Police identified the man as Kwahiwi Edwards, 34.

Edwards was reported missing June 13 after he and another fisherman became stranded on a reef at Penfield Beach as rising tide waters surrounded them, police said. A witness entered the water to try to help the fishermen but was swept into deeper water.

Fairfield police officers rescued the witness and the second fisherman, according to police. Edwards could not be located.

Police said local, state and federal agencies participated in search and recovery efforts, including marine units, dive teams, drone operators and aviation resources. Active search-and-rescue operations ended June 13, but recovery efforts continued in the following days.

"The Fairfield Police Department extends its deepest condolences to Mr. Edwards' family and loved ones
during this difficult time," said Sgt. Jenna Wellington in a statement.

The department also thanked agencies that assisted with the search and recovery effort, including the Fairfield Fire Department; the towns of Westport, Monroe, Milford, Trumbull, Newtown and Stratford; the city of Bridgeport; Nassau County; and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Police also recognized Newtown Underwater Search and Recovery and Sea Tow for assisting with the operation. The department additionally recognized the witness whose actions helped rescue one of the fishermen.