Seaside Park police have confirmed the identity of the body found as Wilmer Gomez, a 31-year-old swimmer from Howell. Numerous water rescues were made on Sunday, including the search for a missing 31-year-old male in Seaside Heights. The search will resume in the morning. New Jersey State Police and U.S. Coast Guard helicopters were involved in the searches. MidJersey.News reported
Body of Missing Swimmer Found in Seaside Park, New Jersey
Seaside Park, NJ – In a tragic turn of events, the Seaside Park police have confirmed that the body found this morning belongs to Wilmer Gomez, a 31-year-old resident of Howell. Gomez had been reported missing since Sunday after he failed to return from a swim.
The search for Gomez began on Sunday when multiple distress calls were made from Seaside Heights and Seaside Park. Among the incidents reported was a missing 31-year-old male swimmer. Despite extensive efforts and the deployment of Aqua Eyes sonar technology, Gomez remained unaccounted for as darkness fell on Sunday evening. The search was subsequently called off for the night and resumed the following morning.
The Seaside Park Fire Department was heavily involved in the search efforts on Monday. They responded to multiple emergencies throughout the day, including water rescues. The day ended on a somber note when Gomez’s body was discovered on the Stockton Ave beach. Rescue crews worked tirelessly until after 9:00 p.m. to recover his remains.
The Seaside Park Fire Company issued a statement urging the public to exercise caution and refrain from entering the ocean when lifeguards are off duty. They emphasized that Monday was the last day of guarded beaches in Seaside Park, underscoring the importance of beachgoers prioritizing their safety.
New Jersey State Police and the U.S. Coast Guard also assisted in the search efforts on Sunday. Their involvement included aerial searches conducted by Coast Guard helicopters. Despite these combined efforts, Gomez’s disappearance ended in tragedy.
The news of Gomez’s death has deeply saddened the community, and condolences have been pouring in for his family and loved ones. This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk in the ocean, even for experienced swimmers.
As the investigation into Gomez’s death continues, authorities are urging beachgoers to remain vigilant and adhere to all safety guidelines. The ocean can be unpredictable, and it is crucial to prioritize personal safety and heed any warnings or advisories issued by lifeguards or local authorities.
In light of this tragic incident, the Seaside Park Fire Company and other local organizations are working to enhance public awareness about water safety. They are planning educational campaigns and initiatives to ensure that beachgoers are well-informed about the potential risks associated with swimming in the ocean.
The loss of Wilmer Gomez serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the inherent dangers of swimming in the ocean, particularly when lifeguards are not present. It is a loss that has deeply impacted the community and serves as a call to action for increased awareness and safety measures..