Tag:

Drowning

Mom Killed Toddlers 'For Religious Purposes' In NJ Home: Police Papers Reveal Gruesome Details Mom Killed Toddlers 'For Religious Purposes' In NJ Home: Police Papers Reveal Gruesome Details
Mom Killed Toddlers 'For Religious Purposes' In NJ Home: Police Papers Reveal Gruesome Details A New Jersey mother told investigators that she killed her two toddlers for "religious" reasons while experiencing concerning thoughts while her husband was away on business, according to arrest records obtained by Daily Voice. Naomi Elkins, 27, of Lakewood, NJ was charged with two counts of murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. She was arrested after the one- and three-year-old girls were killed in a two-family apartment home on Shenandoah Drive on Tuesday, June 25. After her arrest, Elkins told investigat…
Boy Who Drowned On First Day Of NJ Summer Camp Defied Odds Since Birth, Campaign Says Boy Who Drowned On First Day Of NJ Summer Camp Defied Odds Since Birth, Campaign Says
Boy Who Drowned On First Day Of NJ Summer Camp Defied Odds Since Birth, Campaign Says The 6-year-old boy who died after being found unresponsive in a swimming pool at a South Jersey summer camp has been identified, authorities said. Michael Stewart was a rising first grader at the Lumberton Township School District, Superintendent Colleen Murray said in a letter to the community posted on the district's website. A GoFundMe campaign launched for his mother, Enjoli, said Michael drowned during free swim at Liberty Lake Day Camp in Mansfield Township. "Michael came into this world a fighter from the day he was born," reads the campaign launched by Kayla Ogletree. "He…
55-Year-Old Dad Drowns In NJ Reservoir: 'Giving Heart, Crazy Antics' 55-Year-Old Dad Drowns In NJ Reservoir: 'Giving Heart, Crazy Antics'
55-Year-Old Dad Drowns In NJ Reservoir: 'Giving Heart, Crazy Antics' A 55-year-old New Jersey father who drowned over the weekend in a Burlington County reservoir is being remembered for his good humor and good nature. Frank Guadagnini, of Point Pleasant Borough, was pulled by divers from the water in the Whitesbog section of Pemberton Township, according to Caryn Shinske, a spokeswoman with the state Department of Environmental Protection. Firefighters, EMS units, and dive teams responded to the water used for local cranberry operations within the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest around 7:35 p.m., Saturday, June 22, where Guadagnini's body was r…
Possible Drowning Probed At North Jersey Lake, Police Say Possible Drowning Probed At North Jersey Lake, Police Say
Possible Drowning Probed At North Jersey Lake, Police Say Police were investigating a possible drowning at a North Jersey lake over the weekend. A man in his 70s was seen entering Lake Hopatcong but never came out on Saturday, June 22, a spokesperson for the Roxbury Police Department said. The call came in just after 7:30 p.m., bringing the Roxbury Fire Department, New Jersey State Police, and the Morris County Sheriff's Office to the scene. As of Sunday, June 23 at 10 p.m., the investigation remained active, the spokesperson said.
Muscle Cramp Drowns Trespasser, 33, At Crystal-Clear NJ Lake Popularized On TikTok Muscle Cramp Drowns Trespasser, 33, At Crystal-Clear NJ Lake Popularized On TikTok
Muscle Cramp Drowns Trespasser, 33, At Crystal-Clear NJ Lake Popularized On TikTok The body of a 33-year-old man was recovered from a privately-owned tract of land in New Jersey that rose to popularity during the pandemic on TikTok. Edwin Toro-Mejia "unlawfully" visited the 7,000-acre Heritage Mineral property and was trying to swim with others around 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 22, Manchester police said in a news release. Toro-Mejia and a juvenile family member were attempting to cross Crystal Lake when Toro-Mejia appeared to suffer from a muscle cramp in his leg and went into distress approximately 30 yards from the shoreline. Family members went to the aid of Toro-Mejia…
4-Year-Old Boy Drowns In NJ Pool, Prosecutor Says 4-Year-Old Boy Drowns In NJ Pool, Prosecutor Says
4-Year-Old Boy Drowns In NJ Pool, Prosecutor Says Police are investigating the drowning of a boy in a Central Jersey town over Memorial Day Weekend. The 4-year-old was found lifeless in a residential pool in North Brunswick around 7:45 p.m. Saturday, May 25, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and North Brunswick Police Chief Joseph Battaglia said. Upon their arrival, authorities performed CPR on the boy, who was rushed to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. He was pronounced dead at the hospital, Ciccone said. The incident is being investigated by Detective John Hanrahan of the North Brunswick Police Department who…
Missing Morris County Man Drowned In Lake: Prosecutor Missing Morris County Man Drowned In Lake: Prosecutor
Missing Morris County Man Drowned In Lake: Prosecutor A 20-year-old Morris County man missing since Wednesday, March 6 was found dead, authorities announced. Altariq Hickson was last seen at his home in Roxbury, prior to a missing persons investigation being launched six days later. Hickson’s personal belongings were discovered on Mine Hill Beach, and a search of the area was conducted by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, and the Morris County Office of Emergency Management, Morris County Prosecutor Robert  Carroll said. A subsequent search of Sunset Lake by the New Jersey State Police led to the recovery of a body on Tue…
Girl, 2, Drowns In Bathtub In Bergenfield Girl, 2, Drowns In Bathtub In Bergenfield
Girl, 2, Drowns In Bathtub In Bergenfield An unresponsive 2-year-old child died at Holy Name Medical Center after being brought there from a home in Bergenfield early Sunday evening, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella confirmed. The little girl drowned in a bathtub, a source with direct knowledge of the incident told Daily Voice. The child lived on Brook Street with her mother, stepfather and his parents, another source said. Musella didn't address the cause of death in a quick release shortly before 9 p.m. Nov. 5. "At approximately 5:20 p.m., the Bergenfield Police Department responded to a 911 call regarding an unresponsive …
Lawsuit Over Drowning Closes Popular Jersey Shore Town Beaches: Mayor Lawsuit Over Drowning Closes Popular Jersey Shore Town Beaches: Mayor
Lawsuit Over Drowning Closes Popular Jersey Shore Town Beaches: Mayor An apparent lawsuit over an off-season drowning has led to the closure of popular Jersey Shore beaches, authorities said. Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Paul Kanitra announced the closings in a Tuesday, Sept. 12, post on Facebook, in which he said it was “very unfortunate.” "I have just been informed that as an apparent result of a drowning in the off-season, and a subsequent lawsuit, Jenkinsons has made the very unfortunate decision to close all of their beaches and all of their access points," Kanitra wrote in the post. “I want to make it very clear that this decision is not the Borough…
Belmar Police ID Drowning Victim From Labor Day Rip Currents Belmar Police ID Drowning Victim From Labor Day Rip Currents
Belmar Police ID Drowning Victim From Labor Day Rip Currents Belmar police have identified a swimmer who drowned Sunday evening, Sept. 3. Gilberto Mendez Jr., 42, of Roselle Park, was swimming off Fifth Avenue just after 6 p.m. when he began struggling in rip currents, Belmar Borough police said. Mendez and two other people were pulled from the water by lifeguards and brought to an area hospital. The two other people were treated and released, police said. Lifeguards rescued five other swimmers in distress off Sixth Avenue, they said Three other men drowned while swimming in the ocean off the Jersey Shore over the Labor Day weekend: a 22-year-old fr…
Hero Dad Who Drowned Saving Stepdaughter At Jersey Shore Was Medic In National Guard Hero Dad Who Drowned Saving Stepdaughter At Jersey Shore Was Medic In National Guard
Hero Dad Who Drowned Saving Stepdaughter At Jersey Shore Was Medic In National Guard Mark Antwain Costin of Vineland lived and died a hero. His final act of heroism came on Labor Day, while trying to save his 12-year-old future step-daughter from drowning at the beach in Strathmere. Costin's fiancé, Melissa Metcalf, told 6abc they planned a last-minute trip to the beach in Cape May County on Labor Day, Sept. 4. They brought Metcalf's three children, Logan, Riley and Reagan Gallagher, as well as one of her son's girlfriends. They also brought Costin's daughter, Jocelyn. But while Mark was swimming with Jocelyn and Reagan, tragedy struck.  His soon-to-be stepdaughter, Reag…
Body Of 31-Year-Old Swimmer Washes Up At Seaside Park Body Of 31-Year-Old Swimmer Washes Up At Seaside Park
Body Of 31-Year-Old Swimmer Washes Up At Seaside Park A body washed up along the shore at Seaside Park on Wednesday morning, Sept. 6, authorities said. The body of Wilmer Chavez, 31, of Howell, was recovered off the G Street beach, Seaside Park police said. Chavez was among a group of swimmers who were struggling in the ocean around 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3 off Stockton Avenue. Seaside Park lifeguards and emergency workers responded to six calls over the Labor Day weekend involving 14 total swimmers in distress, Seaside Park police said. All of the other swimmers were rescued or made it out of the water. We have confirmed this is a reco…
Girl, 13, Pulled From Maywood Pool Girl, 13, Pulled From Maywood Pool
Girl, 13, Pulled From Maywood Pool A 13-year-old girl was pulled from the municipal pool in Maywood on Labor Day, police said. A lifeguard quickly got to the drowning teen, witnesses said. The good news: She was alert and conscious when EMS took her to Hackensack University Medical Center, Maywood Police Detective Sgt. William Phayre said.
Parents Of Drowned NJ Toddler See Surge Of Support Parents Of Drowned NJ Toddler See Surge Of Support
Parents Of Drowned NJ Toddler See Surge Of Support The drowning of a New Jersey toddler has prompted a wave of support for his parents. Witten Steigerwald, 18 months, was found in a pool in Spotswood and wasn't breathing around 11:20 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, officials in Middlesex County said.  Responders performed CPR, and Witten was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. "No one is ever prepared for the loss of a child and as such no funeral preparations had been made," Witten's uncle, Scott Steigerwald, said on a GoFundMe page for his brother, Kevin, and Witten's mother, Renee. "Their family is now suddenly havin…
Dad Had Taken Off Work To Give Kids Dream Day Before Drowning In NJ River, Family Says Dad Had Taken Off Work To Give Kids Dream Day Before Drowning In NJ River, Family Says
Dad Had Taken Off Work To Give Kids Dream Day Before Drowning In NJ River, Family Says The day Rolando Camarillo-Cholula died was supposed to have been a dream day for his kids. The 43-year-old South River dad heard his three children were in low spirits, and so, he called out of work in hopes of lifting their spirits on Wednesday, Aug. 2, according to a GoFundMe launched by his niece. "He took his kids to go see their mom at work, enjoyed a good breakfast together, did karaoke in the car, before heading their way to enjoy a walk in good weather," Isaura Lopez writes on a GoFundMe page. Rolando took the kids to their favorite walking path and swimming spot along the Mil…
Dad Drowns After Saving Three Kids In Somerset County River Dad Drowns After Saving Three Kids In Somerset County River
Dad Drowns After Saving Three Kids In Somerset County River A 42-year-old dad has died a hero. UPDATE: Police ID Dad Who Drowned Saving Kids In Millstone River The South River dad went into the Millstone River and brought his children, ages 8, 11, and 13 to shore, around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, Franklin Township police said. He, however, struggled to maintain his balance. Thus began a search for the victim, as his children were treated at the scene and released without further medical attention. Members of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office dive team found the man's body just before 5:30 p.m. His name was being withheld p…
Man Pulled From Waters Of 'Clothing Optional' Beach Dies Man Pulled From Waters Of 'Clothing Optional' Beach Dies
Man Pulled From Waters Of 'Clothing Optional' Beach Dies A man died after beachgoers pulled him from the waters of a "clothing optional" destination in Monmouth County Saturday, July 29. The incident happened sometime before 12:30 p.m., at an unguarded section of Gunnison Beach in Sandy Hook, according to National Park Service spokeswoman Daphne Yun. CPR was performed, however, lifesaving measures were unsuccessful, and the man was taken to Monmouth Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, Yun said. No further details were provided. Gunnison Beach was recently named one of the best secret beaches in America.
Family IDs Drowned Teen At Devil's Hole Family IDs Drowned Teen At Devil's Hole
Family IDs Drowned Teen At Devil's Hole Miguel Pena, a 16-year-old Newark, resident drowned at the notorious Devil's Hole in Cedar Grove Community Park on Saturday, July 8. Pena's mother is a single mother of five and had emigrated from the Dominican Republic 11 months ago.  A fundraiser was created by Pena's cousin, Mardelin Payano, to assist the family with funeral expenses. As of Monday, July 24, more than $3,715 has been raised. Swimming at Devil's Hole has been banned since a 2018 drowning due to currents that can make it very dangerous. To view the fundraiser, click here.
NJ Woman Killed In PA Flood Mourned As Generous Animal Lover, Caretaker NJ Woman Killed In PA Flood Mourned As Generous Animal Lover, Caretaker
NJ Woman Killed In PA Flood Mourned As Generous Animal Lover, Caretaker Friends are mourning the loss of a Mercer County woman who was among several people swept away by flood waters over the weekend in Pennsylvania. Susan Barnhardt, 53, of Titusville in Hopewell Township, was among five people who died — not including a baby and toddler who remain missing — in the unprecedented flash floods in Upper Makefield Township on Saturday, July 15.  Barnhart was a lover of animals who cared for her 80-year-old mother, friends said on a GoFundMe page. "We've lost our dear friend and neighbor," Sarah Orfe wrote on the GoFundMe page.  "Susan was…
NJ Woman Among Five Dead In PA Flood: Officials NJ Woman Among Five Dead In PA Flood: Officials
NJ Woman Among Five Dead In PA Flood: Officials Authorities have released the names of four more people who died in the flash flooding in Bucks County on Sunday, July 16.  They are:  Enzo Depiero, a 78-year-old man from Newtown Susan Barnhart, a 53-year-old woman from Titusville, NJ Yuko Love, a 64-year-old woman from Newtown Linda Depiero, a 74-year-old woman from Newtown.  Katheryn Seley, a 32-year-old mom from Charleston, South Carolina, was previously confirmed as having died, Daily Voice reported.  Two of Seley's children, 9-month-old Conrad Sheils and 2-year-old Matilda Sheils, are the subject of a mass search…
Body Of Missing Paterson Swimmer, 19, Recovered From Delaware River Body Of Missing Paterson Swimmer, 19, Recovered From Delaware River
Body Of Missing Paterson Swimmer, 19, Recovered From Delaware River Emergency crews have recovered the body of a missing swimmer from the Delaware River after a three-day search. Jose Madera Martinez, 19, of Paterson, was found around 11:15 a.m. Sunday, July 16 near Kittatinny Point in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, according to a release from the NPS. Madera Martinez was last seen “struggling in the current” around 8 p.m. Thursday, July 13 at Karamac — located about a mile north of Route 80, Daily Voice reported. He was found in about 12 feet of water approximately one mile downstream. Madera Martinez had been trying to swim from t…
Jersey Shore Swimmer, 19, Dies Week After Rescue Jersey Shore Swimmer, 19, Dies Week After Rescue
Jersey Shore Swimmer, 19, Dies Week After Rescue A swimmer from New York who was pulled from the ocean off Bradley Beach on Friday, July 7 died in the hospital on Thursday, July 14, authorities said. Colin Martin, 19, of New York, was swimming to the shore of the Kent Avenue beach in Bradley Beach when he was rescued. “The medics worked on him and were able to get a pulse back,” Bradley Beach Police Chief Leonard Guida told NJ Advance Media last week. Martin was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he remained in critical condition until his death, authorities said. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of Colin…
Boy, 8, Drowns In Morris County Creek Boy, 8, Drowns In Morris County Creek
Boy, 8, Drowns In Morris County Creek An 8-year-old boy has died after his body was found in a Morris County creek Wednesday, July 12, authorities confirmed.  The child was found face down in the creek, in the Flanders section of Roxbury, around 3:35 p.m., Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said. Roxbury police officers and paramedics' attempts to resuscitate the child but were unsuccessful. He was taken to St. Clare’s Hospital in Dover, where he was pronounced dead. While the investigation remains ongoing, the incident has been deemed not suspicious.  Out of consideration for the child’s …
16-Year-Old Swimmer Drowns At Notorious Teen Hangout Known As 'Devil's Hole' 16-Year-Old Swimmer Drowns At Notorious Teen Hangout Known As 'Devil's Hole'
16-Year-Old Swimmer Drowns At Notorious Teen Hangout Known As 'Devil's Hole' A teenager drowned Saturday at a notorious off-limits summer hangout in North Jersey known as "Devil's Hole." Rescuers searched the wooded area and steep cliffs along the treacherous watering hole off Little Falls Road in Cedar Grove's Community Park for nearly an hour the night of July 8 before pulling the 16-year-old victim's body from the water. CPR was begun and continued as the Newark teen was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Cedar Grove police said. They were originally told that the victim was 18, township police said, but he was actually 16. They also said…
Drowning Boy, 9, Resuscitated After He's Pulled From Pool At Boys & Girls Club Drowning Boy, 9, Resuscitated After He's Pulled From Pool At Boys & Girls Club
Drowning Boy, 9, Resuscitated After He's Pulled From Pool At Boys & Girls Club A drowning 9-year-old boy was resuscitated by staff members after being pulled from the pool at the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton on Thursday, responders said. The Morris Plains youngster may have had a medical emergency shortly after 2:30 p.m. July 6, they said. "Staff noticed immediately, pulled the child from the pool and conducted CPR," Clifton Police Detective Lt. Robert Bracken said. The child then began breathing again, the lieutenant said. He was conscious and alert after being taken to St. Joseph's University Medical Center, Bracken said.
HEROES: Mahwah Police Resuscitate Rockland Teen At Ramapo Reservation HEROES: Mahwah Police Resuscitate Rockland Teen At Ramapo Reservation
Heroes: Mahwah Police Resuscitate Rockland Teen At Ramapo Reservation A drowning teen from Rockland was resuscitated by Mahwah police after his friends pulled him from a lake in the Ramapo mountains, authorities said. The 17-year-old Spring Valley boy was surrounded by his friends when Mahwah Police Officers Nicholas Williams, Ryan Moore, Connor Gilgen, Luke Rice and Liam Kantanas reached the upper lake at the Ramapo Reservation around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, Capt. Guido Bussinelli said. He was unresponsive from all the water he’d ingested but had a pulse, the captain said. The boy apparently had jumped into the lake, began to struggle and was underwate…
TRAGEDY: Hillsdale Boy, 17, Drowns In Backyard Pool TRAGEDY: Hillsdale Boy, 17, Drowns In Backyard Pool
Tragedy: Hillsdale Boy, 17, Drowns In Backyard Pool A 17-year-old Bergen County boy drowned in a backyard pool as the 2023 Fourth of July holiday period was about to begin, authorities confirmed. The boy's father conducted CPR after finding the lifeless teen behind their Hillsdale home shortly before 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 28. A rig from the Township of Washington Volunteer Ambulance Corps was requested and the boy was transported to The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, responders said. He was pronounced dead soon after, they said. A cause is pending an investigation by the Bergen County Medical Examiner's Office. Any further information …
Drowned Firefighter Mark Batista 'Always Put Family First' Drowned Firefighter Mark Batista 'Always Put Family First'
Drowned Firefighter Mark Batista 'Always Put Family First' Mark Batista's family was his whole world. Batista, a firefighter for the FDNY, died while trying to save his daughter from drowning on Friday, June 9. Batista, 39, went into the waters off the Sylvania Avenue beach around 8:30 a.m. in an effort to save her, when she got caught in the rough surf. The girl was saved by rescuers but Batista's body wasn't found until nearly 10 a.m., and he was pronounced dead at the hospital, despite life-saving efforts, police said. A fundraiser, organized by Engine 226 in Staten Island where Batista served, has been set up to assist his family, which i…
Bergen Dad Who Drowned At Jersey Shore Was FDNY Firefighter Mark Batista Bergen Dad Who Drowned At Jersey Shore Was FDNY Firefighter Mark Batista
Bergen Dad Who Drowned At Jersey Shore Was Fdny Firefighter Mark Batista The Bergen County dad who died trying to save his daughter at the Jersey Shore has been identified as FDNY firefighter Mark Batista. FDNY officials released the following statement: "We are heartbroken to learn about the death of Firefighter Mark Batista, who died Friday while swimming at the Jersey Shore.  Firefighter Batista was a dedicated public servant who spent fifteen years serving in the FDNY, as both an EMT and a firefighter. We join his family in mourning his tragic passing." Mark BatistaFDNY Batista, 39, went into the waters off the Sylvania Avenue beach around 8:30 a.m. Frid…
Bergen County Dad Drowns, Girl Rescued Off Jersey Shore Bergen County Dad Drowns, Girl Rescued Off Jersey Shore
Bergen County Dad Drowns, Girl Rescued Off Jersey Shore UPDATE: A 39-year-old dad who drowned trying to save his daughter at the Jersey Shore has been identified as FDNY firefighter, Mark Batista. ORIGINAL STORY: Police responding to reports of two swimmers in distress at Sylvania Avenue beach found the girl around 8:30 a.m., Avon-by-the-Sea Police Capt. Tony Pecelli said. According to NBC4, the 15-year-old was struggling in the waves, and her dad went in to help. He too, however, began to struggle, and what ensued was a massive rescue response near a jetty sticking into the water. While the teen was found by responders within ab…
Teen Boy Drowns, 5 Others Rescued From Non-Guarded NJ Beach Teen Boy Drowns, 5 Others Rescued From Non-Guarded NJ Beach
Teen Boy Drowns, 5 Others Rescued From Non-Guarded NJ Beach A 15-year-old died and five others rescued from a non-lifeguarded beach at the Jersey Shore Sunday, May 28, officials said. Responders arrived at Sandy Hook's Beach B, located in the Gateway National Park Area, around 4:30 p.m., park spokeswoman Daphne Yun tells Daily Voice. Of the six pulled from the waters, one refused medical attention, one was sent to Jersey Shore Medical Center, and three were rushed to Monmouth Medical Center.  The teen boy, whose identity was not released as of Monday morning, was pronounced dead at the hospital. Gateway National Park's EMTs and officers …