Man Collapses, Dies In NJ Woods As Search For Missing Man Goes On

A man collapsed and died this weekend in the same area where a search for a missing man in the Delaware River continues, according to the National Park Service.

A 56-year-old man from Philadelphia had been hiking with family near I-80 when he collapsed on Saturday, according to the NPS. Despite efforts by bystanders and emergency personnel, Todd R. Boschetto died at the scene.

The hiker was found after crews were responding to a call for assistance from the BlueBlazed trail, in the Dunnfield Creek area off I-80, where CPR on Boschetto was in progress. Rescuers from the National Park Service, NJ Forest Fire Service, NJ State Park Police, NJ Search and Rescue, and Blairstown EMS all responded to the incident.

Nearby, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area officials announced Wednesday that search-and-rescue crews continued to scour the Delaware River downstream from the I-80 bridge to search for a missing New Jersey man who was last seen Saturday afternoon when the canoe he was in capsized.

Crews were on and in the water again Wednesday, according to the National Park Service. River levels have dropped back to normal over the past few days, which means search conditions for the search have improved.

A second person in the canoe, a woman, was rescued by passing boaters and was later transported by ambulance to a local hospital. National Park service rangers and dive team members, volunteers from Portland Hook and Ladder staff are conducting the search.

Neither person was wearing a life jacket.

“Regardless of the river level, we strongly encourage everyone to wear a properly-fitted, US Coast Guard approved life jacket at all times when on or near the water,” said Deputy Chief Ranger Joe Hinkes. “It’s one simple thing that everyone can do to stay safe so they can come back to play another day.”

Patch photo