After weeks of searching, the body of a Rumson man who went missing on May 1 after taking his boat on Sandy Hook Bay has been found, according to New Jersey State Police.
Richard O’Day, 54, a father of three and investment banker, was last seen at 10am on May 1.
A day later, his 27-foot sport fishing boat Grady White was found about 1,000 feet from Sandy Hook, opposite parking lot L, anchored and unattended.
His body was found on May 23, Private Brandi Slota said.
The US Coast Guard station in New York was involved in the initial attempt to find him, but suspended its search on May 3. Family, friends and volunteers launched a massive effort, posting flyers at tackle stores, marinas, restaurants and liquor stores. Others combed Sandy Hook Bay.
The Pennsylvania-based Christian Aid Ministries search and rescue team had two boats on the water, one equipped with sonar to take pictures of the bottom of the bay.
During O’Day’s long search, his brother, Gavin O’Day, described him as a “family man” and as being “super devoted to his three children”.
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O’Day grew up in Spring Lake and was the seventh of eight siblings. He graduated from Christian Brother’s Academy where he wrote on the track. His siblings said he was an experienced sailor who enjoyed surfing and boating.
Taylor O’Day posted news of her father’s body recovery on Instagram, writing, “Rest in Peace Daddy.”
Her daughter added: “And for anyone struggling with mental health issues, just know that your family and friends love you and there is always someone to listen to you.”
Taylor O’Day asked in her message to respect the privacy of the family.
Details of the discovery of his body and his cause of death were not disclosed.
Ken Serrano covers crime, breaking news, investigations and local issues. Contact him at [email protected]
