Missing NJ Swimmer’s Body Found At Middletown Park, Sheriff Says

MIDDLETOWN, NJ - The body of a missing swimmer was recovered Sunday at a swimming reservoir in a Monmouth County park, authorities said.

The body of the missing man was recovered at around 11:02 a.m. Sunday in the Swimming River Reservoir at Thompson Park Point within Thompson Park in the Lincroft section of Middletown, Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden said in a statement.

The swimmer was reported missing Saturday evening, Golden said, though it was not immediately clear where the swimmer was last seen or if he had been swimming at Thompson Park.

A “major search” was conducted by Saturday night by local and county police, as well as drone units and New Jersey State Police. The search was suspended at around 11:30 p.m. and resumed Sunday morning, Golden said.

“We are deeply saddened over the tragic loss of this swimmer and thoughts remain with his family,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “While the outcome is not what we had hoped for, the brave rescue efforts of all involved in their attempts to rescue and then recover the victim is commended. It’s extremely important to always take the proper precautions in the water and adhere to posted regulations.”

Local, county and state teams credited in the missing person search include Middletown Police Department, Middletown Fire Departments, Middletown EMS and Middletown OEM, the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office - Campus Protection Unit, Drone Unit, MERT and OEM, the Monmouth County Parks System, Holmdel OEM - Drone Unit, New Jersey State Police - Aviation and the Colts Neck Police Department.