Windsor — Emergency crews recovered the body of a New Haven man Monday following a jet ski crash on the Connecticut River that left him missing Sunday evening, authorities said.
The deceased was identified as 32-year-old Jose Nunez Quezada of New Haven. State environmental conservation officers initially responded to reports of a jet ski incident near the Bissell Bridge Boat Launch in Windsor on Sunday. A search for a missing person continued into the night before being suspended, then resumed the following morning.
Multi-agency response
The recovery came after coordinated efforts by several agencies. The state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) said its police officers were on scene, and the operation included the Central Connecticut Dive Team, Connecticut State Police, and Windsor Police and Fire Departments. The search was paused around 11 p.m. Sunday and picked up again at 9 a.m. Monday.
DEEP officials said they will refer determination of the cause and manner of death to the Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner.
"DEEP extends its condolences to Jose’s family and friends," a state official said.
What officials have released
Officials have not released precise details about when or exactly where on Monday crews recovered Nunez Quezada’s body. The agency described the incident as a jet ski crash that led to a missing-person report; the investigation remains ongoing, DEEP said.
Local fire officials reported responding to the scene Sunday evening and confirmed they were part of the search efforts with neighboring law enforcement and dive teams. Beyond those confirmations, authorities have withheld further details pending the medical examiner’s findings and continued inquiries.
Local impact and safety context
The Connecticut River is a busy waterway used for recreation, commercial traffic and transportation. Incidents involving personal watercraft raise public-safety questions in rivers with variable currents, boat traffic and changing visibility at night.
Residents who use the river for boating or personal watercraft should be aware of local regulations enforced by DEEP and municipal authorities, including requirements related to life jackets, lights, and safe operating practices. Investigations like this one often prompt reminders from officials about water-safety precautions, though DEEP has not issued new regulatory changes in relation to this incident.
- Search timeline: Reported Sunday evening; search suspended about 11 p.m.; resumed about 9 a.m. Monday.
- Agencies involved: DEEP Environmental Conservation Police, Central Connecticut Dive Team, CT State Police, Windsor Police and Fire.
- Next steps: Chief State Medical Examiner to determine cause and manner of death; investigation remains active.
Community members near the Bissell Bridge area expressed concern about the incident on social media and through local networks, underscoring how a single event can ripple through riverfront neighborhoods where boating and waterfront recreation are common.
What to expect next
DEEP said it will continue working with partner agencies as the investigation proceeds. The Chief State Medical Examiner’s office will release findings on cause and manner of death when the examination is complete. Police departments involved typically compile reports and may release additional details when they conclude investigative steps or obtain results from the medical examiner.
For now, authorities have limited public comment to the facts of the response, the identity of the victim and ongoing coordination among emergency and investigative teams. Anyone with information about the incident likely to assist investigators should contact the appropriate agency handling the case.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Victim | Jose Nunez Quezada, 32 (New Haven) |
| Location | Bissell Bridge Boat Launch, Connecticut River (Windsor) |
| Response agencies | DEEP EnCon Police, CT State Police, Central Connecticut Dive Team, Windsor Police & Fire |
| Next step | Chief State Medical Examiner to determine cause and manner of death |
As the investigation continues, WE NEWS will monitor updates from DEEP, the medical examiner and local public safety authorities and report any new information as it becomes available.
