Body recovered from Seaside Park identified as 31-year-old missing swimmer from Sunday

The body of Wilmar Chavez, of Howell, was recovered from the surf Wednesday, according to Seaside Park police.

Lanette Espy and Jim Murdoch

Sep 6, 2023, 11:56 AM

Updated 401 days ago

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A body that was recovered Wednesday off the coast of Seaside Park has been identified as the 31-year-old beachgoer who went missing Sunday while swimming.
The body of Howell resident Wilmar Chavez was recovered from the surf Wednesday morning, according to Seaside Park police.
Emergency crews arrived at the beach to make a recovery just after 7 a.m. near F Street.
News 12 New Jersey's Jim Murdoch visited the beach Wednesday morning to report on a story on the recent drownings at the Jersey Shore when he heard sirens ringing loudly nearby.
Multiple rescues and drownings happened during Labor Day weekend in Ocean and Monmouth counties. Beachgoers are warned not to get in the water without a lifeguard on duty. First responder Tim Farrell says he has seen far too many of these beach incidents.
"It's the worst feeling in the world. We feel for these folks, and we try our best. We want to be as supportive as we can during the rescue and after. It's something that sticks with you forever," Farrell said. "I can't even tell you how many rescues we've been on. They all run together now. We've been running seven, nine calls, multiple swimmers in distress."