A tragic incident occurred at the Heritage Mineral property in Manchester on Saturday morning, leading to the death of 33-year-old Howell Township resident Edwin Toro-Mejia. Toro-Mejia was unlawfully visiting the 7000-acre privately-owned site and attempted to swim in Crystal Lake around 9:30 AM.
Toro-Mejia, along with a juvenile family member, was crossing Crystal Lake when he suffered a muscle cramp and went into distress about thirty yards from the shoreline. Family members attempted to aid him, but he submerged underwater and was lost in the current.
The Manchester Township Police Department, assisted by local EMS and volunteer fire departments from Manchester, Ridgeway, Whiting, Lakehurst, Lacey, Toms River, and South Toms River, conducted search and rescue operations. The New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit, along with the Lanoka Harbor and Ocean Beach Search and Rescue Squads, also responded. After about an hour and a half of intensive efforts, Toro-Mejia was found unresponsive and was pronounced deceased.
The preliminary investigation by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit and the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office suggests that the drowning was accidental. Witnesses to the incident are urged to contact Detective Richard Jupinka at the Manchester Township Police Department.
In light of this event, the Manchester Township Police remind the public that the Heritage Minerals, also known as the “ASARCO” site, is private and closed to the public. Trespassing is illegal and can lead to significant fines and penalties, including incarceration.
