Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that a body was discovered in the water near Shelter Cove Park in Toms River on Sunday.
Toms River Township Police responded to a report at approximately 3:05 p.m. and found the deceased, identified as Deane Labranche, 52, of Toms River, floating in the water near the coastal marsh. Officers removed Labranche’s body and transported it to Community Medical Center, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office. However, Prosecutor Billhimer noted, “At this time, there does not appear to be any foul play involved.”
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding Labranche’s death as the investigation continues.