On a blustery November day in 2010, 26-year-old David P. Civile, a resident of Tinton Falls, New Jersey, set out for a solo kayaking excursion on the Shrewsbury River. He was last seen around noon on November 17, 2010, after launching his kayak from Little Silver Point Road. That evening, when he did not return, he was reported missing. His kayak was later discovered near Sedge Island, an uninhabited piece of land situated between Rumson and Sea Bright, which prompted an extensive multi-day search effort involving the Coast Guard, as well as state and local police. Despite their exhaustive efforts, David was not found, and his disappearance remained a painful mystery for his family and community.
David, who managed a Trader Joe's in Westfield, was described by his mother as being in great shape and was enthusiastic about the kayak he had purchased just three weeks prior to his disappearance.
He had even bought waterproof pants for his trip, believing he would be safe on the river. The day he went missing was marked by strong winds, a factor that likely contributed to the tragic events that unfolded. In the wake of his disappearance, his family, including his parents, Joan and Richard Civile of Cranford, and his sister, Laura Civile Davies of Tinton Falls, were left with unanswered questions and the heavy burden of his absence. They channeled their grief into a proactive effort to prevent similar tragedies by establishing the David P. Civile Foundation for Boating Safety Awareness, which focuses on educating users of non-motorized vessels about the potential dangers of the water and the critical importance of wearing life vests.
Two years after he vanished, a significant development occurred in the case. On November 28, 2012, a contractor performing repairs on a dock at a residence on Little Silver Point Road discovered skeletal remains at the water line of the Shrewsbury River and immediately alerted the authorities. Detectives from the New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit, along with other agencies, responded to the scene. On December 5, 2012, the Monmouth County Medical Examiner's Office, using dental records, positively identified the remains as those of David Civile. The cause and manner of his death were listed as undetermined pending further investigation. Although his remains were found, the case technically remains active in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System because his cranium was not recovered. The discovery of his remains brought a close to the search for David, but his family's advocacy for water safety continues to be a lasting tribute to his memory.Last Seen: Nov 17, 2010
