Crime & Safety
Pond Where Bergen Teen Died Was Maintained Properly, State Said: Reports
Inspectors found no problems or issues at Hardcastle Pond, where an 18-year-old died after going in to help some children, the report said.
![NorthJersey.com reported that a state Department of Environmental Protection inspector saw no "observable problems and/or maintenance issues" with Hardcastle Pond on Friday.](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/25310363/20220512/040212/styles/patch_image/public/screen-shot-2022-05-12-at-35952-pm___12160131255.png)
NEW MILFORD, NJ — The pond where an 18-year-old New Milford resident drowned passed a state inspection last week and was properly maintained, a report said.
Clinton Ajith, who was a senior at New Milford High School, drowned April 22 after he went into Hardcastle Pond to get a ball for some nearby children, NorthJersey.com reported.
From April: NJ Teen Found Dead In Pond: Police
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NorthJersey.com reported that a state Department of Environmental Protection inspector saw no "observable problems and/or maintenance issues" with the pond Friday.
DEP spokesperson Caryn Shinske told the outlet that New Milford public works staff inspect the pond while doing park maintenance, and that the borough does two formal inspections annually.
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New Milford police found Ajith's body after someone reported he had gone missing.
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