Man Killed On Lake Hopatcong Was 'Sweet, Full Of Life Kid'

MOUNT ARLINGTON, NJ — Jason Gil was known as the kind of guy that was there for you when he needed him. Remembered by friends are caring, helpful, and full of life, the young man died on Lake Hopatcong over the weekend. He was just 24.

Gil was boating with friends Saturday night when he went overboard from the pontoon boat. His body was recovered early Monday morning.

"What a sweet, full of life kid!! He never will be forgotten and sending love and prayers to the entire family and all his friends," a friend wrote on a GoFundMe established to offset funeral costs and "surrounding events."

Fundraiser organizer Morgan Laidlow said that while Gil's death was tragic, his life was well lived, writing, "Jason Gil brought so much love and happiness to everyone he met. He was a devoted son and brother. Jason passed away in an unfortunate accident but he lived a full life of joy and adventure. We will carry a piece of him in our hearts forever."

Gil was also well liked and valued by his coworkers at Tri-County Orthopedics, where he worked after studying X-ray tech at the County College of Morris.

"Jason was a valued employee at TriCounty Ortho whose care and compassion touched many patients lives. He will be deeply missed by his friends and colleagues," orthopedist Dr. David Epstien wrote.

"On behalf of all of Jason’s coworkers and friends at Tri-County Orthopedics, to day he will be sorely missed is an understatement. He was an amazing asset to the practice and brought such joy to all he worked with. The world seems a lot darker today knowing you’re gone," a coworker wrote.

The fundraiser has surpassed its original goal, raising $18,000 towards a $10,000 target in 24 hours.

Gil went missing on the lake around 7:45 p.m. on Saturday, when he fell over the side of a pontoon boat near Main Lake Market, police said. Police did not say if he was wearing a life vest.

Police say the operator of the boat, Nicholas Zarantonello, 24, of Lake Hopatcong, was under the influence when Gil went overboard. Zarantonello was charged with boating under the influence and released with an upcoming court date.