Bodies Of Missing Danbury Swimmers Found In Candlewood Lake

The two men, identified as 26-year-old and 38-year-old Danbury residents, were found by the Connecticut State Police dive team and the Danbury Police dive team in Candlewood Lake in Danbury on Thursday, July 18.

The names of the victims have not been released pending notification of family.

According to James Fowler, a spokesperson for the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the bodies will be turned over to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

On the evening of Monday, July 15, five individuals were on a boat at Candlewood Lake when two men jumped off the boat around 10:15 to 10:30 p.m. and did not return, Fowler said.

Fowler said the remaining individuals on the boat contacted 911, initiating a search and rescue operation.

The search initially included divers from Brookfield Fire Department and Danbury Fire Department and was temporarily suspended in the early hours of Tuesday, July 16.

Additional divers and resources were deployed the following day, Wednesday, July 17, to continue the search until around 4 p.m., when it was suspended due to poor weather conditions.

He added that search operations resumed again this morning, Thursday, July 18, at 7 a.m..

"Through the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies, the missing individuals were recovered this morning," Fowler said. "DEEP extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims during this difficult time."

The following agencies, departments, and organizations were involved in the search and recovery operation:

• Connecticut State Police Dive Team
• Danbury Dive Team and Patrol
• Brookfield Dive Team
• Region 5 Dive Team
• Candlewood Lake Association – Lake Patrol
• Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves
• Danbury Fire Department and Volunteer Fire Department
• Danbury EMS
• Newtown Underwater Search and Rescue (NUSAR)
• Sherman Fire Department
• New Fairfield Fire Department
• Regional Search and Rescue (RSAR)
• HARTransit
• The Salvation Army
• RSAR K-9 Teams

This remains a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.

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