Teen Drowns In South Jersey Lake: Officials

ELK TOWNSHIP, NJ — A teen died from accidental drowning in a South Jersey lake, authorities said.

A missing person, last seen in the water at Lake Garrison, was reported at 2:08 p.m. Saturday to Elk Township police. About 20 minutes later, authorities found an unresponsive 19-year-old male in the water.

The victim was brought to Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill, where he was pronounced dead, police said. Authorities have withheld his identity, pending notification to family.

Investigators determined that he died from accidental drowning.

It wasn't immediately clear when the victim was last seen before he was reported missing. Patch contacted officials and will update with any response.

Lake Garrison, known as "The Family Playground," draws thousands of visitors every summer. The lake was closed Saturday and remained closed on Sunday.

The Elk Township Police Department, Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office and Gloucester County Medical Examiner's Office conducted the joint investigation.

Several people have died from water incidents this year in New Jersey, including four children who have drowned in pools around the state since Memorial Day weekend. A man died last week after rescuing two kids from drowning in a river.

A man also drowned Sunday evening while swimming in a Bridgeton lake with friends after the beach had closed, officials said.