JACKSON, NJ — Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew Kunz have reported the tragic drowning of 29-year-old John Pereira from Old Bridge.
The incident occurred at Prospertown Lake on August 3, 2024, around 2:00 PM, following the capsizing of his kayak.
Responding officers, after being alerted to a missing person, learned from witnesses that Pereira was not wearing a personal flotation device at the time of the accident. His body was recovered by search and rescue divers the following day, August 4, at approximately 3:55 PM.
Pereira’s body was subsequently transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River for a post mortem examination. The extensive search and recovery effort involved multiple agencies, including the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, New Jersey State Police Marine Unit, and various local fire departments and dive teams.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Kunz expressed their gratitude towards all participating agencies for their coordinated response in this unfortunate event.
The community is reminded of the importance of safety precautions, such as wearing personal flotation devices while engaging in water activities.
