Missing Man's Body Pulled From Morris County Lake

BUDD LAKE, NJ - What began as a search for a missing man in Parsippany Saturday ended with a body being pulled from the ice in Budd Lake Sunday, according to the Morris County Prosecutor's Office.

Parsippany Police requested the help of the Mount Olive Police Department in looking for a missing man shortly before 10:45 p.m. on Saturday, and soon after the missing elderly man's car was located in a private parking lot adjacent to Budd Lake.

An extensive search utilizing the New Jersey State Police Air Unit, NJSP TEAMS Unit, NJSP
Marine Unit, members of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Olive Police Officers and
the assistance of volunteers from the Budd Lake Fire Department, Budd Lake First Aid and
Rescue and the Flanders Fire Department was conducted and during the morning hours Sunday, members of the man's body was located and recovered, authorities said.

The incident is not suspected to be criminal and out of respect and consideration for family, the man’s name will not be released at this time, authorities said.

"My condolences to the family of the individual who fell through the ice yesterday," Mt. Olive Mayor Rob Greenbaum said in a statement. "I can’t stress enough that winter activities on Budd Lake are dangerous due to the warm water springs that feed the lake and inconsistent ice thickness. On behalf of the community, our hearts and prayers go out to the family."

History Of Tragedy

In January 2013 Budd Lake teens Nicholas Cianciotto III and Clyde Schimanski III fell into the frigid lake when the ice gave way at their fishing location, leading to their deaths.

"A local resident near Sand Shore Road heard their cries and attempted to locate the boys. As the ice was cracking under his feet, the resident was forced to retreat for fear of losing his own life," Morris County Prosecutor Fred Knapp said at the time.

Patrons of the bar said there had been ice fisherman on the lake over the weekend, but said no signs on the conditions or depth of the ice have been posted during the winter for years.

Budd Lake is a natural body of water, Greenbaum said back in 2013, and is not guarded in any way.

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