Drowned Paddleboarder Identified As 24-Year-Old Mahwah Man

MAHWAH, NJ — New Jersey State Police have identified Mario Morales, 24, of Mahwah, as the man who drowned in Dators Pond this week.

Police officials confirmed that Morales' body was found in the pond at 3 p.m. on Tuesday after an extensive search, which began on Monday night. The investigation was turned over to the New Jersey State Police Marine Unit, and state police confirmed Morales identity in a Wednesday email.

Police arrived to Dators Pond around 6:45 p.m. on Monday after receiving reports that a 24-year-old Mahwah man was paddleboarding, but lost his balance and fell into the water. Upon arrival, Officer Travis Canning quickly entered the water and attempted to locate the victim, but was unsuccessful.

As police on the scene continued to search for the victim, additional assistance began to arrive.

Mahwah Fire Company 1 deployed their dive team while officer Matthew Buonocore conducted an aerial search using the department's drone, police said.

Mahwah Fire Chief Cord Meyer eventually requested dive teams and assistance from 14 agencies before the search was suspended on Monday.

The search resumed on Tuesday at 8 a.m. with the aid of 11 area agencies.

Read more: Missing Mahwah Paddleboarder Found Drowned After Extensive Search