The search for an 18-year-old man missing in the Connecticut River after trying to rescue his younger brothers at Haddam Meadows State Park in Haddam is now a search and recovery missing, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Middletown resident William Davis told NBC Connecticut his 18-year-old son went under the water while trying to rescue his younger brothers, who were in trouble.
“It was just a freak accident, man. You know, he saved his brothers. He was a hero," Davis said.
"I know my two little ones are safe because of their brother," he added.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene and searched extensively near a sandbar, but did not find the teen. The spot has proved dangerous in the past, and there have been at least two drownings in the past decade.
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said the Haddam Meadows Boat Launch would be is closed while the search is ongoing.
Will Healey, a spokesperson for DEEP, said there are a lot of "unseen hazards' in the river, including roots and rocks and the current can be strong.
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"The river can be a very treacherous place to swim,": he said. "... We urge caution at any state overseen water body, but particularly in the river."
