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Christopher W. Heitman, a longtime camera operator for various news networks, was operating a 17-foot Sea Hunt struck a pipe that broke free from its mooring and entered the channel around 2:20 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, New Jersey State Police said.
Heitman and passenger were ejected, police said. While the passenger was able to get back on the boat, Heitman was not. His body was later recovered.
Heitmans LinkedIn page shows he had years of experience working as a camera operator, having been employed at CBS, Comcast, NBC and ABC.
Robert Costello mourned Heitman as a "good man and better friend."
Michael Amato Jr., who het Heitman through work said he "didn’t have a mean bone in his body."
"He was always willing to step up to do what was needed to get the job done," Amato added. "He loved helping people and could be friends with anyone in a room instantly. Most importantly he loved making people laugh.
"There was no limit on how far he would go to make everyone laugh. He always wanted people to be happy and feel part of the team. I will miss working with him and laughing all day, even on the toughest of shows."
Melissa Popp, who worked with Heitman in sports broadcasting, remembered him as a "positive light" who "always seemed to shine," she told Daily Voice.
"He always remained positive," she said. "He always made me laugh. He was a lot of fun to work with. I’m honored to have known him."
The crash remains under investigation.
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