New Details Released After Search Suspended For Missing Person At Toms River’s Tunney Bridge

New details have been released following a search at the Tunney Bridge Monday afternoon after two individuals jumped into the water, with one person still unaccounted for, officials say.

As first reported on TLS, multiple fire departments and emergency agencies responded to the Tunney Bridge on Route 37 in Toms River at approximately 2:34 p.m. after receiving reports of a person who had jumped into the water.

An East Dover Fire Chief arrived within four minutes and located a second individual on the bridge. As the chief approached, that individual also jumped into the water. A life ring was deployed, and the Island Heights fireboat recovered the individual and brought them to Pier One Marina, where EMS evaluated them before they were transported to a hospital.

Witness accounts and available video indicated that another individual had entered the water before the chief’s arrival, prompting a large-scale search operation.

Crews conducted a coordinated grid search with assistance from the United States Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Toms River Police drone unit, Ocean Beach Fire Company, and Brick Township’s dive team. A unified command post was set up at Pier One Marina, where officials coordinated the search efforts.

The search continued for several hours before being suspended at approximately 8:45 p.m. due to safety concerns. The first individual who entered the water had not been located when operations were suspended.

East Dover Fire Company thanked all responding agencies for their assistance and said their thoughts are with those involved and their families.