Overview
- Carlos Gil‑Reyes was reported missing after boating and swimming near Hawks Island during the early hours of Friday, friends said he began to struggle and told a companion, "I can't anymore. I love you."
- U.S. Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police, Philadelphia Police and Burlington County teams conducted hours of river searches before the operation shifted from an active rescue to a recovery effort.
- New Jersey State Police responded to a report of a body washed ashore in Palmyra Township just before 1 p.m. on Monday and said the remains matched the description of the 31‑year‑old.
- Officials have recovered the body but have not yet completed formal identification or released coroner findings, and local agencies are handling next steps and family notifications.
- The case has drawn community attention to nighttime boating and swimming safety — including groups tying boats together and possible alcohol use — which could prompt renewed local safety efforts and enforcement on the river.