Authorities recovered the body of Shane Garcia, 27, in Shinnecock Bay on Sunday, Nov. 2, a day after he and friend Aaron Montemarano, 25, were reported missing, according to the Southampton Town Police Department.
Garcia’s girlfriend reported the pair missing on the night of Saturday, Nov. 1, after he did not return from a daytime kayaking trip. Earlier that day, Garcia had sent her a selfie of himself and Montemarano while they were kayaking near the Ponquogue Bridge in Shinnecock Bay. Police later found Garcia’s work van parked at the end of Shinnecock Avenue in Hampton Bays, N.Y.
While patrolling the bay during the search, authorities discovered two kayaks and two sets of paddles that had washed up near Shinnecock East County Park. Divers subsequently located Garcia. His official cause of death has not yet been released.
Montemarano remains missing. Police have not released an official description.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Southampton Town Police Department’s Detective Division at 631-728-3400 or the tips hotline at 631-728-3454. Tips can also be emailed to crimetips@southamptontownny.gov.