Swimmer dies after being pulled alive from Manchester, NJ lake

MANCHESTER — Three swimmers had to be rescued from Harry Wright Lake on Monday afternoon but one later died.

The trio of men from Lakewood grew fatigued trying to swim from one end of the man-made lake to the other around 4:15 p.m., according to Police Capt. Vincent Manco.

Two of the swimmers, Rojelio Chacon, 43, and Ever Mejia-Chacon, 27, were assisted to the shore by bystanders before police and first responders arrived. The Whiting Fire Dive Team located the third victim, Santos Chacon-Hernandez, 35, within 15-20 minutes.

Rojelio Chacon and Santos Chacon-Hernandez were taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River for treatment.

Manco said Chacon-Hernandez was pronounced dead early Tuesday morning. His death is under investigation by Manchester police but an initial investigation indicated the drowning was accidental.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was updated after authorities announced the death of one of the victims.

Dan Alexander is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com

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