Teen Drowns In Ramapo Lake In State Forest In New Jersey

OAKLAND, NJ — A 14-year-old boy drowned in Ramapo Lake in Oakland on Saturday, said state officials.

The Park Police in Ramapo Mountain State Forest responded to a report of a suspected drowning Saturday afternoon and found the boy in the lake around 1:02 p.m., said Department of Environmental Protection spokesperson Caryn Shinske.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, she said.

The victim's family has been notified.

The Northeast Regional Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause of death, she said.

The New Jersey State Park Police is the lead agency investigating, Shinske said.

Officials declined to release additional information on Monday morning.

Community members in Oakland were already reeling from the death of a local 4-year-old in a car accident on Friday.

"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the young teen who lost their life at Ramapo Lake this morning, offering prayers of support and comfort at this sad time," wrote a church in Oakland. "We again need to to recognize the selfless care by our first responders as they faced another difficult circumstance in less than 48 hours, and offer prayers of support and thanks to each of them as well."

In 2018, two teens from Livingston High School drowned in the same lake when they went swimming and a storm hit, according to media reports at the time.

The state says the lake is for fishing or birdwatching, but swimming is not permitted.