New Jersey

Man found dead after drowning in NJ, police say

The body of water where the man drowned is located in Monroe Township, Gloucester County

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Officials are investigating after the body of a man was found dead after drowning in Gloucester County, New Jersey, on Thursday, Aug. 29, according to police.

The body of water where the man was found is located at the Cedar Lake Wildlife Management area off of Jackson Road in Monroe Township, according to a spokesperson with the police department there.

The man has been identified by authorities as Rafael Martinez Pascual.

Pascual had been swimming with friends before he disappeared under the water, police said. He is a citizen of Mexico but was living in Pitman, New Jersey.

Rescue workers from several local agencies were called just after 2 p.m. to assist in the search that used divers, special watercraft, helicopter and drones, police said. Pascual was found around 5 p.m.

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SkyForce10 was over the scene just after 4 p.m. where crews could be seen on a beach as a small red boat floated in the water.

Officials said that this is the fourth person to die by drowning in Monroe Township during this summer season.

The area where Pascual died is closed to the public and swimming is not allowed, according to regulations from the Wildlife Management Area.

An investigation is underway by the Monroe Township Police Department with the help of the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office.

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.

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