An 18-year-old Hartford man died after going underwater in the Connecticut River off Haddam Meadows State Park on Sunday.
The Middletown Fire Department’s dive team recovered the teen’s body about 300 yards from the boat launch at 9:33 p.m. according to D.E.E.P officials. Officials said on Monday afternoon that the teen is Dominic Sobota.
Witnesses said Sobota was walking out into shallow water with family members when he was pulled into a deeper section of water.
“His brother was right on top of him and he just let go. None of them know how to swim. I don't know what they were doing out that far if you don't know how to swim,” Jesline Rosario, who saw the teen go under, said.
Several search and rescue crews from neighboring towns assisted in the search along with three dive teams after the emergency call came in just after 7 p.m. officials said.
Oscar Rosario was on his jet ski when he saw the teen go under water and was consoling his daughter.
“It's OK baby. It's OK. We're gonna go pray for him, OK?” he said.
