Tragedy struck in New Jersey over the weekend when a father named Frank Guadagnini drowned in a cranberry reservoir. The incident occurred at the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest in Whitesbog, Pemberton Township. According to NJ.com, the New Jersey State Park Police were responsible for retrieving Guadagnini’s body from the reservoir.
When first responders arrived at the scene, they made every effort to revive Guadagnini but unfortunately, their attempts were unsuccessful. Manchester Township divers joined forces with the police and firefighters to search the reservoir after receiving an initial call at 7:35 p.m. on Saturday. It was Guadagnini’s daughter, Gianna, who later confirmed her father’s passing through a heartfelt Facebook post on Monday night.
In her Facebook post, Gianna expressed her deep sorrow: “With a heavy heart I have to announce that Saturday June 22 my Dad Frank Guadagnini passed away.” She went on to describe her father as someone with a kind and giving heart, known for his crazy antics that never failed to bring laughter to those around him. The family has chosen to celebrate Frank’s life rather than focus on his passing, requesting that mourners not wear black clothing to the service, which will be held in Jackson on Friday afternoon.
The tragic incident took place in a cranberry reservoir that is still actively used for harvesting operations. According to NJ.com, cranberry farming is a significant economic activity in Whitesbog. However, swimming is strictly prohibited in the state forest where the reservoir is located, as stated on its official website.
The Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, nestled within New Jersey’s famous Pine Barrens, is the second largest forest in the state, spanning over 38,000 acres. It serves as a vital natural resource and recreational area. Despite multiple attempts to reach out to the New Jersey State Park Police for comment on the drowning, The Post did not receive a response.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of water safety and following regulations set in place to protect individuals from harm. It is crucial to respect the rules and guidelines established by authorities in order to prevent accidents and tragedies like this from occurring. Our thoughts go out to the Guadagnini family as they navigate through this difficult time.
