Edison Man Dies After Being Swept Into Storm Pipe Amid Ida

EDISON, NJ — An Edison resident died Wednesday after being swept into a 36-inch storm sewer pipe in South Plainfield, according to a press release from Mayor Matt Anesh.

The man was identified as 31-year-old Dhanush Reddy from Edison.

Police were assisting motorists in the area of Hadley and Stelton Road when they heard cries for help, Anesh said.

South Plainfield Police, Middlesex County Water Rescue Team, and Piscataway Police arrived at the scene. Authorities said two men were swept into the pipe, which travels from South Plainfield to Piscataway. One of the men was rescued, while the other could not be located.

On Thursday, authorities discovered the body of Reddy in a wooded area behind 1380 Centennial Avenue in Piscataway.

"We are heartbroken by this tragic loss of life and pray for Mr. Reddy and his family and friends and all those impacted by last night’s devasting storm," Anesh said.

Officials have linked at least nine New Jerseyans' deaths to Ida, as the state continues to recover from the storm. People lost homes, streets remain flooded and public transportation has been hampered.

"It's been a sadly tragic and historic 24 hours in New Jersey," Murphy said as he stood in front of one of at least nine homes that was destroyed in Mullica Hill, Gloucester County, Wednesday night. "This is going to take us some time to dig out of. We're going to stay here, and be by the side of the residents and the small businesses that have been impacted so severely."

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