Trespassing ends in tragic drowning in New Jersey

Manchester Township

By: Richard L. Smith

Manchester Township, NJ – A visit to a 7,000-acre private property in Manchester ended tragically for 33-year-old Edwin Toro-Mejia of Howell Township Saturday morning.

According to authorities, Toro-Mejia illegally entered Heritage Mineral property and attempted to swim in Crystal Lake with a minor family member around 9:30 a.m.

While attempting to cross the lake, Toro-Mejia apparently suffered a muscle cramp in his leg and got into distress about thirty meters from the shore.

Despite his family’s efforts to help, Toro-Mejia went into hiding and disappeared underwater.

Rescue personnel from the Manchester Township Police Department, along with Manchester Township EMS, several local volunteer fire departments, search and rescue crews, and the New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit, conducted search and rescue operations for approximately one and a half hours.

Toro-Mejia was eventually found unconscious and pronounced dead. Preliminary investigations indicate that the drowning was an accident.

The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department’s forensic team and the Ocean County Coroner’s Office are assisting in the investigation.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Detective Richard Jupinka of the Manchester Township Police Department Investigations Bureau at 732-657-2009, extension 4206.

Manchester Township Police advise the public that the Heritage Minerals (ASARCO) site is private property and is not permitted for recreational use.

Trespassing on the premises is a criminal offence and is punishable by heavy fines and penalties, including imprisonment. Police urge everyone to respect the “No Trespassing” signs posted on the premises for public safety reasons.