Woman Found Dead After Apparent Drowning In Monmouth County: PD

A 37-year-old New Jersey woman was found dead after apparently drowning in the Sandy Hook Bay overnight, police said.

Melissa Fries, 37, of North Bergen was found at 5:50 a.m. at a private beach in the area of Valley Street in Highlands, police said.

Fries was reported missing after 11 p.m. on Saturday after she went swimming with friends, police said.

The U.S. Coast Guard and rescue operators from various towns in the area joined in the search, police said. Boats and a helicopter were involved in the rescue.

The Highlands Police Department said the drowning appeared to be accidental.

This is a developing story. Patch will have more information as it comes in.