Missing Lake Hopatcong Swimmer Found Dead: Police

LAKE HOPATCONG, NJ — Arthur Clarke, an avid swimmer who went missing on Lake Hopatcong over the weekend, was found dead Tuesday morning, police said. He was 64.

Clarke, a retired Hopatcong School teacher, owned Hopatcong Eye Care and worked as an optometrist. Hopatcong Capt. Thomas Kmetz described Clarke as "well known" in the community.

He taught in the Hopatcong school district between 1977 and 1993 as a math and science teacher, nj.com reported. He worked as a seasonal water safety supervisor for the Department of Environmental Protection for a number of years, including last summer.

Clarke was last seen alive Friday evening before leaving for a swim in the Byram Cove section of the lake around 8:30 p.m. Such behavior was not unusual for Clarke, Kmetz said, who was a skilled swimmer who often enjoyed the lake even in the cold or the dark.

His elderly mother reported him missing Saturday morning after realizing he did not return home. His flip-flops and shirt were left on his dock, and his bicycle, car and other personal belongings were still home.

Kmetz asked that neighbors not contact the Clarke family, out of respect for Mrs. Clarke's frail health.

Image via Hopatcong Police Department

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