Crime & Safety
Two Brothers Die In South Jersey Drowning As Tragic Trend Continues
The tragic trend in New Jersey continues after two brothers drowned in a South Jersey lake Wednesday night, according to authorities.
Two brothers died after they drowned in a South Jersey lake Wednesday night, according to authorities. The two deaths raises the number of drowning tragedies to 12 in New Jersey within the past month.
The bodies of Otoniel Bautista-Vargas, 30, and Saul Bautista-Vargas, 27, were pulled from Crystal Lake near Delsea Drive and Elmer Road in the Vineland area, according to the Downe Township Fire/Rescue dive team said. Their hometowns were not identified.
Both were fishing in the lake, and one brother drowned while trying to save the other who was having trouble swimming, authorities said.
Find out what's happening in Ocean Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Read more: 10 Children Die While Swimming In NJ In Just One Month
A fisherman spotted the bodies about 10 feet deep in the water at about 8:48 p.m. and alerted police, investigators told The Daily Journal.
Find out what's happening in Ocean Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The two brothers were pulled from the water and brought to the boat ramp by the divers, according to the report.
We'll share additional information as it comes in.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
