Boy Rescued From Lake Hopatcong Released From Hospital, Fire Department Says

HOPATCONG, NJ — A seven year-old boy rescued from the bottom of Lake Hopatcong last week was released from the hospital and welcomed home Tuesday afternoon, the Hopatcong Fire Department said.

Seven year-old Nicholas was at the lake with his mother when he went missing on July 3. He was rescued from the bottom of the lake by the Hopatcong Fire Department, and flown to Morristown Medical Center.

After being in a medically induced coma for a few days, he was awake and talking by Sunday afternoon.

"Not only is Nicholas breathing on his own, but while visiting him last night, he was even asking for watermelon and strawberries!" Fire Chief Esad Steve Kucevic said. on Sunday

Now, Nicholas is home. He was given a full firetruck welcome home Tuesday by the Hopatcong Fire Department to celebrate his discharge from the hospital.

To continue the celebration, Nicholas and his family are invited to the annual HFP picnic this Saturday.

Images via Hopatcong Fire Department