Crime & Safety

Updated: Man Drowns at Silver Sands; 9-Year-Old Saved

Authorities have identified the drowning victim as a 34-year-old Hamden man.

Update at 11:25 p.m. on July 5:

The man who drowned at Silver Sands State Park yesterday has been identified as Rocco Daddio Jr., 34, of Hamden, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

The drowning is under investigation by DEEP Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police. No further information is available at this time.

Find out what's happening in Stratfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The original story follows:

A man in his 30s drowned today (July 4) at when he was caught in the strong currents on a sandbar, according to a Milford fire official. The unidentified man was with a 9-year-old boy, who was rescued by a lifeguard and a jet-skier.

Find out what's happening in Stratfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Milford Fire Capt. Christopher Zak said a call came in at approximately 3:30 p.m. for a water rescue at the state park. Emergency crews from Milford, Stratford, the U.S. Coast Guard and the state Department of Environmental Protection rushed to the scene. They were aided in their search efforts by a helicopter from the state.

According to Zak, the man and the boy were walking on the sandbar when they were swept into the water by the strong currents. The 9-year-old was rescued by a lifeguard and a jet-skier.

The body of the man was found more than two hours later - at 5:48 p.m. - in about 15 feet of water, Zak said.

The body was taken to the Milford Yacht Club, where the man was pronounced dead, Zak added.

The boy's mother was on scene, according to Zak.

“He was like a rock,” Zak said of the boy. "He was very knowledgeable. He wasn't breaking down or anything.”

It was just two weeks ago that , when they were swept into the water by the current.

“It’s very, very dangerous,” Zak said.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.