HADDAM, Conn. — The other occupant of the canoe that capsized on Lake Hayward in East Haddam in March, resulting in the death of a Holy Cross student, has been charged with operating a boat under the influence.
On March 21, police responded to a report of two individuals in the water after their canoe overturned on Lake Hayward.
The two occupants had allegedly been out on the lake with a group of friends when the canoe capsized.
20-year-old Michael Collins of Mineola, New York, was rescued by good Samaritans at the scene.
The second occupant, 20-year-old Dominick Tocci of Woodstock, Connecticut, went missing in the water and was later recovered deceased on March 23.
It was alleged that both men were drinking prior to launching the canoe.
Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, an arrest warrant was issued for Collins on June 30.
On July 10, Collins turned himself in to EnCon Police at Connecticut State Police Troop K where he was arrested and charged with operating a a boat under the influence.
Collins was released and will be back in court at the end of July.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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