TOMS RIVER, NJ – Police on Tuesday reported one of the three men rescued from Harry Wright Lake on Monday has died from his injuries at the hospital.
Police reported on Monday that at around 4:16 p.m., officers responded to the Harry Wright Lake for the report of a missing swimmer and possible submersion of one of the three men.
“Upon arrival, officers and rescue personnel gathered additional information, at which time it was determined that three male swimmers had developed fatigue while attempting to swim from one side of the lake to the other. The swimmers were identified as 35-year-old Santos Chacon-Hernandez, 43-year-old Rojelio Chacon, and 27-year-old Ever Mejia-Chacon, all of Lakewood Township. Rojelio and Ever were assisted to shore by good Samaritans who observed them in distress. However, Santos became submerged underwater and was unable to be located.”
POlice said he was subsequently located and rescued from beneath the surface by members of the Whiting Volunteer Fire Department and Manchester Career Fire Department.
“Life saving measures were initiated and Santos was subsequently transported to Community Medical Center by Manchester EMS along with Paramedics from RWJ. Rojelio, although alert and conscious on scene, was also transported to Community Medical Center by Manchester EMS for further evaluation. Ever did not require additional medical treatment,” police reported.
On Monday morning, at 5:00 am, Manchester police officers were notified by Community Medical Center personnel that Santos was pronounced deceased. This incident is being investigated by the Manchester Township Police Investigations Bureau. The preliminary investigation indicates the drowning to be accidental.
“The Manchester Township Police Department would like to remind the public that swimming across Harry Wright Lake is prohibited, and that swimming or bathing is only authorized when lifeguards are present. The Manchester Township Police urge the public to abide by these township ordinances for everyone’s safety,” the department said.