IDs Released For Men Who Drowned In Candlewood Lake

The names of two Fairfield County men who died after jumping into Candlewood Lake have been released.

DEEP has identified two Danbury men who were missing on Candlewood Lake.
Photo Credit: *Danbury Fire Department*

07/22/2024 9:00 a.m.

Related: Bodies Of Missing Danbury Swimmers Found In Candlewood Lake

The bodies of Danbury residents Muzha Medardo Vayancela, age 26, and Loja Klever Guanuchi, age 36, were recovered by divers on Thursday, July 18, said Ethan Van Ness with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) on Friday, July 19.

Vayancela and Guanuchi jumped into the water of Candlewood Lake on the evening of Monday, July 15, while boating with friends around 10:15 to 10:30 p.m. and did not return, DEEP said.

DEEP said the remaining boat members contacted 911, initiating a search and rescue operation.

Numerous state and local departments searched the lake for the missing men for several days.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will perform autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death.

Van Ness said the incident is being investigated as an accident.

This remains a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.

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