Toddler Dies After Fisherman Pulls Him From Lake Hopatcong: Cops

JEFFERSON, NJ - Despite the best efforts of a local fisherman and local law enforcement, a 3-year-old boy died Tuesday night after being pulled from Lake Hopatcong, according to the Jefferson Township Police Department.

According to authorities, Jefferson police officers responded to Capp Beach at the lake shortly before 6:30 p.m. after getting the call of an unresponsive child.

Officers Charles Paskas and Mathew Saparito, and Cpl. Jeremy Romashchild began performing CPR on the child, according to a statement from Jefferson Township Police Capt. Robert Bush.

The unidentified boy was transported to St. Clare’s Hospital in Dover where he was pronounced dead, Bush said.

Authorities said the boy’s death was not considered suspicious but there is an investigation underway.

"The identity of the child and family will not be released at this time, as we will respect their privacy," Bush said.

Anyone with information about the incident can contact Jefferson Township Police Detective Tim Hecht at 973-697-1300 or the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office’s Major Crimes Unit at 973-285-6200.

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