19-year-old apparently dead after drowning in Lake Garrison in Elk Township, Gloucester County

ELK TOWNSHIP, New Jersey (WPVI) — A young man apparently died after drowning in South Jersey over the weekend.

Elk Township Police were called to Lake Garrison Recreation Area around 2 p.m. Saturday for a report of a missing person who was last seen in the water.

Shortly after their arrival, an unconscious 19-year-old man was found in the water, police said.

The victim was quickly transported to Inspira Hospital in Mullica Hill, where he was later pronounced dead.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, but this case is described as a tragic accident.

Lake Garrison officials sent Action News a statement that said, in part, “This incident remains under investigation and no further information is available at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the young man’s family.”

Action News spoke to people who live in this part of Gloucester County. They say Lake Garrison has been a popular spot for locals for generations.

“I mean, there’s never been an incident like this in this lake before. We used to swim there in the ’50s,” noted Bill Cope of Clayton.

“We went there as a family. Mom, dad, cousins ​​and stuff, and there was never an incident,” he added.

The victim’s name has not yet been released.

Meanwhile, the lake was closed over the weekend due to the investigation, but was reopened on Monday morning.