Search Continues For Parsippany Swimmer Lost On Lake Hopatcong

LAKE HOPATCONG, NJ — The search for a missing swimmer is now in its third day on Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey State Police said Monday morning.

Avinash Kuna, 32, from Parsippany, was out boating with three friends to celebrate his birthday on Saturday when he went missing in the Henderson Cove section. Kuna voluntarily jumped into the water to swim just before 11 a.m., but began having trouble staying afloat, police said. Friends tried to pull Kuna from the water, but he submerged and has not resurfaced since, police said.

"He started flailing and was gasping for air," Jay Majeti, a friend, wrote on a GoFundMe fundraiser., adding that Kuna screamed that something was pulling him under the water.

"We tried to help with the life vest but unfortunately he couldn't reach to it. Understanding that the situation is getting worse, one of our friends jumped into the water with a life vest but we had to pull him out since his vest came off too. Avinash started to drown in water. Everything happened so quickly and all of us were terrified," Majeti wrote.

The friends called 911 and a search quickly began but has been unsuccessful across three days. "Unfortunately due a lot of weed in the lake and bad weather conditions, search was unsuccessful on Saturday and Sunday and is still in the process," Majeti wrote. State Police confirmed they would continue to search on Monday.

Marine Services Bureau troopers are using sonar detection equipment to continue the search, and have been assisted by State Police Aviation, Missing Persons, T.E.A.M.S. Units and the Jefferson Fire Department.

State Police have not called off the search, but Majeti wrote that they are prepared for the worst.

"Based on the current situation, unfortunately we have to say there are extremely less chances of getting back alive. In case of unfortunate event of not seeing him alive, we are planning to send the body back to India for his family and well-wishers to see him for one last time and to perform last rituals," Majeti said.

"Avinash is one of the very few people being loved by all his associates for his plain hearted nature and willingness to help others. He always cared for well-being of fellow people and the society," Majeti wrote." "He had high ambitions in life, to become an entrepreneur, give back to the society, travel places around the globe etc. He has started working recently and began to support his family members who have restlessly worked for Avinash's successful career."

Support for the Kuna family, and to help bring Kuna's body back to India should it be found, has been pouring in. So far, 328 people have donated $15,000 to the GoFundMe drive.