Authorities said the 18-year-old was found submerged after entering the Morris Township pond on July 4; no foul play is suspected and a post-mortem examination is pending.
MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NJ – An 18-year-old Morristown resident died after entering Jones Pond in Morris Township and struggling to swim on Saturday, July 4, according to local reports citing the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities said no foul play is suspected, and the incident remains under investigation.
Morris County Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Meghan Knab identified the deceased as Hillario Manuel Mendez-Vincente of Morristown. According to the account attributed to the prosecutor’s office, a witness called 911 at approximately 6:28 p.m. after seeing a man enter the pond and struggle to swim.
First responders searched the pond and located the man submerged in the water. He was recovered from the pond, according to reports citing authorities.
The Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to conduct a post-mortem examination to determine the cause and manner of death. The investigation is being handled by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and Morris Township Police Department.
Morris Township Mayor Donna Guariglia told Morristown Green that swimming is prohibited in Jones Pond. That restriction is relevant as authorities continue investigating the circumstances of the death.
No foul play is suspected, according to the information attributed to the prosecutor’s office. Authorities had not announced a final cause or manner of death as of the latest reports.