Investigation Continues Into Saturday’s Drowning Of A 29-Year-Old Old Bridge Man At Prospertown Lake

Monday, August 5, 2024, 2:15 P.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ.- A 29-year-old Old Bridge, New Jersey man tragically drowned at Prospertown Lake after his kayak capsized Saturday afternoon in Jackson Township, New Jersey.

     According to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at around 2:00 p.m., members of the Jackson Township Police Department responded to Prospertown Lake Park in the Township following receiving a report of a missing person.

     Upon arrival, Police Officers learned that John Pereira, 29, of Old Bridge, New Jersey, had gone missing after his kayak capsized while he was kayaking in the lake. Based on witness interviews, it was determined that Mr. Pereira was not wearing a flotation life vest when the kayak capsized and was believed to have drowned.

     On Sunday, August 4, 2024, shortly before 4:00 p.m., search and rescue divers recovered Mr. Pereira’s body from the lake. Mr. Pereira’s body was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, New Jersey, where an autopsy has been scheduled.

     As of this time, it appears that Mr. Pereira’s death was due to an accidental drowning and does not appear to be suspicious in nature. The final determination of death is pending the findings of the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office.