BELMAR — A Lake Como man was pulled from the Shark River under the Route 35 Bridge last week. The victim, identified by police as Javier Hernandez-Vasquez, 33, later was pronounced dead.
On Thursday, Feb. 27, at approximately 9 p.m., the Belmar Police Department received a report of a person in the water near the Route 35 bridge. Upon arrival, patrol officers began searching the area under the bridge, north of the Belmar Marina, according to a press release from Police Chief Tina Scott. The victim was found submerged under the bridge.
“The caller, who had witnessed the victim fall over the railing from the walkway underneath the bridge, was attempting to assist the victim out of the water,” the release states. “At this time, the victim was unresponsive and did not respond to any instructions from officers on scene.”
Additional first responders from surrounding agencies, including the Belmar Water Rescue Team, Avon Police Department, Wall Township Police and EMS, Neptune City Police Department and paramedics from Jersey Shore University Medical Center, arrived to assist in the rescue operation.
“The victim was successfully lifted from the water and over the railing,” the release states. “Lifesaving efforts were initiated immediately and the victim was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Once at the medical facility, lifesaving measures continued for approximately 80 minutes. Unfortunately, despite extensive efforts, the victim was pronounced deceased.”
The incident remains under investigation by the Belmar Police Department.
“The Belmar Police Department would like to thank the multiple agencies that assisted in the response, including the Belmar Water Rescue Team, Belmar Fire Department, Avon Police Department, Neptune City Police Department, Wall Township Police Department and EMS, and Jersey Shore University Medical Center,” the release states.
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