Saturday, 05/21/2011, 1909 hrs.

Pre-accident event; 
On the above date, the above victim was reported missing under East Brunswick Police Department Investigation file number #11-1535.  Based on East Brunswick P.D. investigation report Victim was visiting from California and was staying with his Aunt.  Victim decided to go fishing in Westins Mill pond in the early morning in their canoe.  At approximately noon time he returned for lunch and advised that he was not hungry and "wanted to catch fish" and left the residence to go fishing again.  The Aunt expected Victim to return at approximately 1700 hrs. for dinner and did not return.  Uncle became worried and checked the area and could not find Victim and called the police.  
When I arrived on scene, I observed a red canoe along the shoreline facing southwest partially submerged in water.  The area is described as a shallow area of Westins Mill pond with depths ranging from 0-7 ft.  The area is covered in a thick and heavy vegetation with a muddy foundation encompassed by a dark brown water with a visibility of about 1-2 feet under water.  

Accident investigation revealed:  Vessel #1 located on Westins Mill Pond, was occupied by operator #1, while going fishing on the pond directly behind the property.  there was an unknown apparent imbalance of the canoe causing it to overturn.  The victim fell into the water and got tangled in the heavy vegetation and was not able to stay afloat since he was not wearing a life jacket and drowned.  There are a few factors that caused the victim to drown; not wearing a life jacket, getting tangled in the thick vegetation, unfamiliarity with the area and his surroundings, and poor swimming abilities.  There were no witnesses on scene.  The deceased was pronounced by the Medical Examiner and cause of death to be determined at a later date.  Next of kin was notified by East Brunswick Police Department.  

The following reports can be referenced for further details:
Investigation report, East Brunswick Police Department, File #11-17535
OPerations report, State Police Marine Bureau, File #V510/2011-00120R

East Brunswick                