Long Island college student charged after friend drowns in Connecticut canoe accident

A college student from Long Island was arrested months after his friend drowned in a drunken canoe accident in Connecticut.

Michael Collins, 20, of Mineola, was cuffed on boating under the influence charges last week after his friend, Dominick Tocci, 20, died in a boating mishap on Lake Hayward on March 21. Collins, a student at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, allegedly drank with a group of friends on the lake before deciding to launch the canoe. The canoe then suddenly capsized, sending them both toppling into the lake in East Haddam. Collins was rescued by Good Samaritans, but Tocci went "missing in the water" and his body was recovered in the lake two days later following an extensive search.

Photo: nypost.com

Collins and Tocci were both students at the College of the Holy Cross, where they were part of a community that remembered Tocci as a "special kid" and a "bright light." Tributes to Tocci in March highlighted his talents in sports and his infectious personality. Mike Sampson, Tocci's former baseball coach, described him as "exuberant, such a big energy, a big personality." Jonathan Smith, a longtime friend, said, "He was always such a bright light. There was never a time where you weren’t smiling or laughing. Genuinely, there’s no one that could replace Dom."

Photo: nypost.com

Collins turned himself in to the police last Friday, over a week after a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was released from custody and is slated to return to court on July 23. The incident has raised questions about the consequences of reckless behavior and the importance of responsible drinking.

Photo: nypost.com

As Collins awaits his next court appearance, the focus remains on the tragic loss of Tocci, whose friends and family continue to mourn his passing. The case serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of boating under the influence and the importance of taking necessary precautions to ensure safety.

Source: NYPOST