Hunterdon County mourns 19-year-old who vanished in Delaware River during fierce storms

✅A 19-year-old tuber who disappeared in the Delaware River was found dead Sunday

✅Jason Blanco vanished after getting out of his tube

✅Blanco is a 2024 Hunterdon Central graduate

ALEXANDRIA —  A summer night on the Delaware River turned into tragedy when a 19-year-old Hunterdon County man vanished in the water as powerful thunderstorms swept across New Jersey.

After an intense search that stretched through Saturday, authorities said Jason Blanco, of Flemington, was found dead Sunday, ending an ordeal that began when he disappeared while tubing during one of the strongest rounds of storms to hit the state this summer.

State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron said Blanco got out of his tube in the Delaware River around 9:40 p.m. Friday near Alexandria. He fell into the water and never resurfaced.

Powerful thunderstorms were in the area around that time, which caused thousands of people to lose power.

Members of the State Police marine unit and other agencies continued the search on Saturday.

A boater found his body near the Riverview park area in the D&R Canal State Park on Sunday.

Map shows location of Alexandria, New Jersey

2024 high school graduate

Blanco was a member of the Hunterdon Central Regional High School class of 2024, according to a message from the school.

"As a school community, we are heartbroken by this news and we express our sincerest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time," the school said.

The school suggested those who need counseling to NAMI, or NJ Mental Health Cares at 866-202-HELP(4357).

Another tragedy during a dangerous stretch of weather

Blanco's death came during an unusually dangerous stretch of weather across New Jersey.

The severe thunderstorms that swept through Friday night followed an intense heat wave that officials believe contributed to at least 29 deaths statewide.

On Monday, rainwater caused the roof of a BJ's to cave in on employees and customers in Monmouth County. No serious injuries were reported.

Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding Blanco's death.

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