Swimmer dies after disappearing beneath new jersey lake
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Swimmer dies after disappearing beneath New Jersey lake

A massive multi-agency search ended in tragedy after a 59-year-old man was pulled from Dallenbach Lake and later pronounced dead.

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — A 59-year-old man died after disappearing beneath the surface of Dallenbach Lake during an afternoon swim, prompting a large-scale search involving dive teams, aviation units, marine crews, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel.

According to the East Brunswick Police Department, officers responded at approximately 3:34 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, to Dallenbach Lake, located at 380 Dunhams Corner Road, after receiving a report that a man had gone underwater and failed to resurface.

Police immediately launched a multi-agency search and rescue operation.

Responding agencies included the East Brunswick Police Department, East Brunswick Office of Emergency Management, all three East Brunswick fire districts, the Perth Amboy Police and Fire Dive Team, the New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit, the New Jersey State Police Marine Unit, and RWJBarnabas Health Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support.

After an extensive search, members of the Perth Amboy Fire Department Dive Team located the man and removed him from the water.

RWJBarnabas Health emergency medical personnel immediately began lifesaving efforts before transporting him to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Authorities are withholding the man’s identity pending notification of his next of kin.

Police said there is no indication of foul play, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is asked to contact the East Brunswick Police Department Investigative Division at (732) 390-6990 or submit anonymous tips through the department’s confidential tip line at (732) 432-8477.


Key Points

  • A 59-year-old man died after going underwater while swimming in Dallenbach Lake in East Brunswick.
  • Multiple law enforcement, fire, dive, aviation, marine, and EMS agencies participated in the search.
  • Police said there is no indication of foul play, and the investigation remains active.
Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News