The body of a 17-year-old swimmer who went missing on Candlewood Lake was recovered around 12 p.m. Wednesday, police say.

Divers located the body of Joshua DaSilva, 17, of New Milford, Wednesday, police say. He was a student at Henry Abbott Tech in Danbury.

DaSilva's body was found by divers with the New Milford Police Department and Newtown Underwater Search and Rescue. Crews used sonar equipment during searching efforts Wednesday.

"Please say a prayer for the found swimmer and family," Mayor Pete Bass wrote in a statement.

The mayor thanked the first responders and volunteers for their efforts in locating DaSilva.

DaSilva went missing Memorial Day after swimming with a group of friends at Dike Point Park. Neighbors say during the swim, he got a cramp and went under the water.

Search crews had initially hoped to rescue the teen, then later called efforts a recovery operation. Police believe DaSilva knew how to swim, and say there is no indication alcohol was involved.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the state Department of Education says, "The crisis team has been providing counseling support to students and anyone in the school community who may need it throughout the day with specific attention to the school's trade area of the missing student (electrical)."

 

 

Crews comb Candlewood Lake for possible missing swimmer