Local News
The two 20-year-olds were on a canoe ride in March when it overturned. One was rescued, while the other disappeared underwater.
Authorities are charging a 20-year-old with boating under the influence following a fatal canoe incident involving the death of a Holy Cross student in Connecticut.
According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Environmental Conservation Police, Michael Collins, of Mineola, New York, is being charged with boating under the influence.
On March 21, the Connecticut environmental police responded to a report of two people in the water after their canoe overturned on Lake Hayward in East Haddam, Connecticut.
Police said that the two were out on the water with a group of friends when the canoe capsized. One of the men, Collins, was rescued by a good Samaritan at the scene. The second occupant, Dominick Tocci, 20, of Woodstock, Connecticut, went missing in the water.
First responders recovered Tocci’s body from the water after an extensive search two days later.
Both were students at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester.
Police said that both men were allegedly drinking prior to launching the canoe. Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, an arrest warrant was issued on June 30.
On July 10, Collins turned himself in to the police, where he was arrested.
Collins was released on a promise to appear issued by the court and is scheduled to appear on July 23.
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