Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns, III announced the drowning death of an
Elizabeth man that occurred near Bull’s Island Recreation Area in Hunterdon County on
Tuesday afternoon.
According to Prosecutor Kearns, “Wilson A. Amariles, age 40, of Elizabeth, was attempting
to swim from Bull’s Island Recreation Area to the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River
when he became caught in the river’s current. According to witnesses, Amariles attempted
to swim across the river but became tired and began to struggle. Unable to stay afloat,
Amariles disappeared under the water. Preliminary findings indicate that the incident
appears to be accidental.”
A 911 call was placed at 4:37 pm and the Delaware Township Police Department and the
New Jersey State Park Police responded. Amariles’ body was recovered a short time later
by the Lambertville–New Hope Rescue Squad. The victim was pronounced dead at the
scene. The investigation into the death is ongoing.
Prosecutor Kearns added, “This is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts are with the
Amariles family. I urge everyone to be cautious when swimming in pools, lakes, and
recreational areas. It is also extremely important to be aware of the dangers of the currents
and riptides in our rivers and oceans.”
Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-321-0010 or by going to
www.crimestoppershunterdon.com, or text messaging “HCTIPS” plus your tip message to 274637 (CRIMES).
Tipsters can also download the free mobile app “Tipsubmit” and select Hunterdon County to submit
anonymous tips via text messaging. All tips are anonymous and kept confidential.
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For press releases visit our website at: http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/prosecutor/press.html
