Teen Boys Missing in Icy Budd Lake, N.J.
His son would "never pull a prank like this," the father of one of the missing teens says.
BUDD LAKE, N.J. - Rescue divers and first responders continued to search Budd Lake Tuesday morning in search of two teenage boys who fell through a layer of ice Monday night.
Boats are still searching the lake off Sandshore Road near the intersection of Budd Avenue, and have been since calls came in at 6:20pm Monday.
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Clyde Schimanski Jr., a father whose son--Clyde Schimanski III--went missing around the same time as calls came into police told Patch he’s “kind of in shock.”
“My son was a good kid,” Schimanski said. “He would never pull a prank like this. I realized around 6:30 (Monday night) my son was one of the ones (in the lake).”
A crew of divers continued to search throughout the night, according to Mt. Olive firefighter Doug Fenichel. Additional responders resumed their search at 8am Tuesday, Fenichel said.
“We hoped it was a hoax,” Fenichel told Patch. “But as information came in, we realized otherwise.”
Families of the missing teens were gathered inside Budd Lake Chapel where they were meeting with authorities and grief counselors.
“The high school is a mess today,” said Budd Lake resident Kim Maleyonok, whose daughter attends Mt. Olive High School. “Teachers are crying; students are crying in the classrooms and in the halls. Clyde (Jr.) is a sweetheart--he’d rip his heart out and give it to you. This is devastating to him.”
Mt. Olive Mayor Rob Greenbaum, who was at the scene of the mishap Monday night, wrote on his public Facebook page just before midnight, “Once again I am sad to report that we likely lost two young adults in Mount Olive this evening. May God bless their families and help ease their pain.”
Firefighters and police attempted reaching the teens by boat, who were heard screaming for help in the lake, but were unable to reach them, Fenichel said.
This is an ongoing story. Patch will update as details are made available.
Mary Anne Looby
4:22 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Such a tragedy! Kids always think the ice is thick enough, they just don't realize the danger. The poor parents, it's something no one should ever have to face. Thoughts and prayers to all those involved.
RIP Budd Lake
11:51 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013
This really is a tragedy, but hopefully something meaningful and good will come from such a horrible event. Even if its just a closer Budd Lake community and highschool, then the two precious lives were not lost in vain. I am praying for all involved and hope that maybe people will be awoken to how precious life is. people need to realize that in a fallen world, time with loved ones is a gift not a guaranteed deal.