JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – A 39-year-old man died Sunday morning in a snowmobile crash on Lake Hopatcong, according to Jefferson Township Police Detective Joseph Kratzel.
Brian Petronaci of Hopatcong Borough was found at about 2:30 a.m. and was pronounced dead at the scene, Kratzel said.
At about 1:40 a.m., township police were requested to assist Hopatcong Police Department in attempting to locate Petronaci, who was reported missing and operating a snowmobile on Lake Hopatcong, Kratzel said.
Jefferson Township Police located Petronaci, with the assistance of Jefferson Township Fire Department Company #2 and Jefferson Township OEM., Kratzel said.
A preliminary police investigation revealed that Petronaci was operating the snowmobile when he struck a rock in the area of Liffy Island, which is located across from the Lake Forrest Yacht Club, causing his snowmobile to crash into trees.
Hopatcong Boro Police, Jefferson Township Fire Dept. Company #2, Jefferson Rescue Squad, Jefferson Township OEM, Morris County Office of the Medical Examiner, and Morris County Sheriff’s Office CIS assisted at the scene.
For more Northwest Jersey’s News, tune into 92.7FM, 104.7FM, 1510AM, wrnj.com or on the TuneIn app.
By: Jay Edwards Follow on Twitter | Like on Facebook
(Anthony Preziosi | For WRNJ)