Community Corner

Lost Cranford Kayaker's Family Hopes to Increase Awareness of River Dangers

The family of David Civile, who was lost while kayaking the Shrewsbury River in 2010, has donated signs to help increase awareness of potential water sporting dangers.

The last place was known to be before he launched his kayak into the Shrewsbury River on November 17, 2010 was Howard's Beach, a little spit of sand towards the end of Little Silver Point Road.

Civile's kayak was found later that evening on an uninhabited island between Rumson and Sea Bright and for days, rescue teams searched the river for the 26-year old Tinton Falls resident who took off that warm November day into the cold river, surrounded by strong winds. His body was never found.

It seemed fitting, then, for Civile's family to donate signage to be posted at the Howard's Beach location, as well as at Santelli Park, to help increase awareness of the potential water sporting dangers posed by the Shrewsbury River.

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Civile's parents, Joan and Richard of Cranford, along with his sister, Laura Civile Davies, who lives in Tinton Falls, were on hand at the June 11 Little Silver Borough Council meeting to present the signs in his honor. Mayor Robert C. Neff, Jr. presented the family with a resolution in support of their efforts in return.

"David's accident has shaken up our family and everyone who knew him more than words could ever say," his sister told Patch in an e-mail. "But if we can prevent this from happening to just one person through education and awareness, then we believe our foundation has served its purpose."

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