New York

Authorities Recover Body of Boy, 17, Who Jumped Into River to Save Older Sister

Authorities say they have recovered the body of a 17-year-old boy who was swept away by the Connecticut River when he jumped into the water in Haddam to save his sister over the weekend.

Jay Agli and another family member had jumped into the water to save Agli's 19-year-old sister Sunday afternoon and all three were swept away by the strong current, authorities have said. A boater picker up the sister and the other family member, but Agli disappeared in the water.

Crews from multiple agencies scoured the river for hours Sunday in hopes of finding Agli alive. They returned again Monday. 

It wasn't until Tuesday around 11:45 a.m. that Agli's body was recovered south of Haddam Meadows State Park – near where he went into the water on Sunday -- officials said.

People around the park Sunday said it was busy with people boating and cooling off in the water and regulars said the river can be tricky in the area.

“There's a very strong current on the outside of the sandbar, so you have to be very cautious when deciding to swim off the sandbar," said Amanda Katie Santos, of New York.

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