01/02/2023
PLEASE STAY OFF THE ICE TILL YOU KNOW IT'S ABSOLUTELY SAFE! THIS HAPPENS EVERY YEAR WHEN THERE'S NO REASON FOR IT TO HAPPEN!!
***Update, both bodies have been recovered. Our prayers go out to their family and friends.***
KINNELON BOROUGH, NJ (Morris County) – A recovery operation is underway for two ice fishermen who are believed to have drowned at Split Rock Reservoir in Morris County, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said Sunday morning.
On Dec. 31, at 1:59 p.m., family members reported to police that two ice fisherman were missing, Carroll said.
It was reported that on Friday, Dec. 30, a 76-year-old man from Passaic and a 64-year-old man from Clifton traveled to Split Rock Reservoir, located in Kinnelon Borough, to go ice fishing. The following morning on December 31, the two males were not heard from and were reported missing, Carroll said.
Kinnelon police responded and met family members at Split Rock Reservoir where the two men were believed to have last been seen. Their personal belongings were observed on the shoreline and two holes were observed in the ice approximately 100 yards from shore, Carroll said.
One man was recovered deceased by ice rescue teams but the second man was not recovered, Carroll said.
The search was discontinued Saturday night due to weather and darkness. Dive teams will resume the search for the second ice fisherman on Sunday morning, Carroll said.
The names of the victims were not been released.
The investigation is being conducted by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Kinnelon Fire Department, Bloomingdale Fire Department, Montville Fire Department, Boonton Township Fire Department, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Unit, and Tri-Boro First Aid Squad.
