MANCHESTER – Three swimmers needed to be rescued when they attempted to cross Harry Wright Lake, and police said one of them succumbed the next day.
They became fatigued while crossing, and two of them had to be rescued by good Samaritans. The third had gone under and had to be found by emergency responders. This took place just after 4 p.m. on June 6.
The third swimmer, who was brought up by members of the Whiting Volunteer Fire Department and Manchester Career Fire Department, needed lifesaving measures after being brought to shore.
At 5 a.m. on June 7, police were told by Community Medical Center staff that Santos Chacon-Hernandez, 35, of Lakewood had died.
One swimmer who was rescued by a Samaritan, Rojelio Chacon, 43, of Lakewood, had to be brought to Community Medical Center for treatment. Ever Mejia-Chacon, 27, of Lakewood, did not need medical attention.
Police reminded the public that swimming across Harry Wright Lake is prohibited. Furthermore, swimming or bathing is only allowed when lifeguards are present.
The full list of personnel who responded included Manchester Police Department Patrol Bureau, Manchester Investigations Bureau, Manchester Career Fire, Manchester EMS, Whiting Volunteer Fire, Manchester Volunteer Fire, and RWJ Paramedics.
