Kayaker Who Died After Capsizing In Ocean County Lake Identified

JACKSON, NJ — Authorities released the name on Monday of a kayaker who died Saturday when his kayak capsized at Prospertown Lake.

An autopsy is scheduled for John Pereira, 29, of Old Bridge, whose body was found shortly before 4 p.m. on Sunday, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew Kunz said in a joint news release.

Authorities were notified about 2 p.m. Saturday that Pereira was missing, and search-and-rescue divers and other first responders searched for him Saturday night and Sunday.

Witnesses told investigators that Pereira was not wearing a personal flotation device, Billhimer said.

His body was taken to Community Medical Center to await an autopsy; Pereira is believed to have drowned, Billhimer said.

Prospertown Lake is an 80-acre lake in the midst of the Prospertown Lake Wildlife Management Area, which straddles Jackson in Ocean County and Millstone and Upper Freehold townships in Monmouth County. It butts up against the property of Six Flags Great Adventure.

Only manually operated boats, kayaks, and canoes are permitted at the lake, which is owned and managed by the state Department of Environmental Protection. It features several coves to explore. Swimming is not permitted.

The following agencies assisted in the search and investigation:

Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit; Jackson Township Police Department; New Jersey State Police Marine Unit; Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit; New Jersey Conservation Police; Ocean County Fire Coordinators Office; Lakewood Township Police Department Dive Team; Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department; Jackson Mills Volunteer Fire Department; New Egypt Fire Company; West Tuckerton Fire Company; Hightstown Engine Company Number 1; Lacey Township Volunteer Fire Department; Whiting Fire Company; Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst Fire Department; Central Jersey K-9 Search and Rescue; Township of Hamilton Dive Team, and the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office.