Man, 58, Drowns In South Jersey: Police

LOWER TOWNSHIP, NJ — A 58-year-old man has become the 16th person to die in water-related deaths in New Jersey this summer.

He was initially reported missing just before 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 8, Lower Township police said Monday afternoon. He was one of two people who went swimming in the Cox Hall Creek, located at the Wildlife Management Area (formerly known as Ponderlodge Golf Course) in the Villas section of the township.

A third friend was with them, but returned home before they went swimming, police said. One of the two people who went swimming came out of the water, but was unable to find his friend, police said.

After a brief search conducted by multiple police and fire agencies, the man’s body was found in the water, near the shoreline. Police said there were obvious signs of death, so no attempt was made to save him.

An autopsy has been conducted, but the cause of death has not yet been determined, police said. The victim was not identified on Monday as investigators attempted to find next-of-kin.

His death has not been deemed to be suspicious, and police said there doesn’t appear to be any danger to the public.

The investigation is ongoing, and is being handled by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, the Cape May County Medical Examiner’s Office, along with the Lower Township Police Department. Anyone with information is asked to call the Lower Township Police Department at 609-886-1619, ext. 156.

A total of 16 people have now died in New Jersey in water-related deaths since the beginning of May. Read more here: 16 NJ Water Deaths Since May As Tragic Trend Continues

The line of water deaths extends a trend that began last year, when 34 people died in New Jersey last spring and summer.

The trend has prompted some health advocates to remind people about the importance of being safe while swimming. The Salvation Army and the Red Cross have even joined forces, putting together a program that provides swim lessons and water safety training that are intended to be affordable.

See related:

• South Jersey Teen Dies After Almost Drowning: Police
• Teen Drowning Death In South Jersey As Tragic Trend Continues
• Man Pulled From Surf City Waters On Wednesday Has Died
• Man Dies After Nearly Drowning At Duke Island Park
• North Jersey Woman Drowns At island Beach State Park
• PA Man Drowns In Normandy Beach On July 4: Toms River Police