Cops: Missing Ronkonkoma Man's Body Washes up in Montauk

Written by Taylor Vecsey

A man's body was found in the water off Montauk Point on Sunday, and it is believed to be that of a Ronkonkoma man who was reported missing a day earlier, police said on Monday.

New York State Parks Police said the 27-year-old's family reported him missing to the Suffolk County police on Saturday, Chief Richard K. O'Donnell said in a statement on Monday afternoon. His name was not released.

Parks police found his vehicle at Montauk Point State Park, near the Montauk Point Lighthouse, and various agencies searched the area. Parks police, the East Hampton Marine Patrol, New York State police, the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department, and the State Department of Environmental Conservation's Forest Ranger, as well as state parks staff, helped to search by land, sea, and air. Police search dogs also helped with the search. 

Petty Officer Josh Garsick, of Coast Guard Station Montauk, said that a boater found the man floating in the water on Sunday about a mile or two off Montauk Point, and the Coast Guard retrieved his body. 

The Suffolk County Medical Examiner's office will conduct an autopsy and make a positive identification.

An investigation into his death is being conducted. Parks police have asked that anyone with information call 631-321-3700. All calls will be kept confidential.

East Hampton Town Police Chief Ed Ecker said that the Suffolk County State Parks Police have taken the lead on the investigation, as the man's car was found on state park land. "We offered any assistance, but I think the parks police had it all under control," Ecker said.