Gabriella Iannetta

Body of Teen Swimmer Who Was Missing in New Milford Was Found: Police

The body of a 17-year-old boy who was reported to have drowned in Candlewood Lake in New Milford on Memorial Day has been located, according to police.

Police identified the teen as Joshua DaSilva and said divers recovered his body on Wednesday and it will be brought to the medical examiners office.

The search for DaSilva started Monday when emergency crews were called out for the possible drowning.

Police said the teen was swimming with at least two friends when he became distressed, disappeared and went under the water as they were swimming from one island to another.

Boaters and good Samaritans immediately began searching the water in the area between Dike Point Park and Rock Island. Then police, rescue crews and divers took over until Monday night.

"The area where they were is an unattended swimming area. It's not exactly an area where it's monitored by the property owners so you know, it is kind of a swim at your own risk situation and we always encourage people to swim in locations where there are lifeguards available and other resources. And if they do get in trouble, you know, they have that immediately available to them," said New Milford Police Lt. Lawrence Ash.

Crews from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Newtown Underwater Search and Rescue and New Milford Rescue assisted with the search.

According to authorities, there is no foul play suspected and nothing appears suspicious.

The water has chilly, with temperatures around 60 degrees.

“The Body of the missing swimmer has been found by the NMPD diving team. Please say a prayer for the found swimmer and family,” New Milford Mayor Pete Bass posted on his Facebook page Wednesday. “Thank you to all the 1st Responders and Volunteers for their efforts in locating the missing swimmer.”

Contact Us