The body of College of the Holy Cross student Dominick Tocci, 20, was recovered Monday afternoon from Lake Hayward in Haddam, Connecticut, after a canoe he was in flipped over on Saturday night. Students and state conservation officers had joined the search, which stretched into the next day before crews located and recovered the missing student. Campus leaders said the loss has deeply shaken the Worcester campus community, as reported by Boston 25 News.
What happened
State environmental conservation police responded Saturday night to reports that a canoe with two males aboard had capsized on Lake Hayward. A nearby resident heard voices calling for help, and a Good Samaritan on a paddleboat managed to bring one student to shore. That student was taken to a local hospital and later discharged. The official search was paused Sunday evening and resumed Monday, when crews recovered the missing student's body in the afternoon, according to Boston 25 News.
Holy Cross response
The college confirmed that the missing student was Dominick Tocci ’27, a junior political science major from Woodstock, Connecticut, and said he had disappeared following a boating incident. In a statement to Boston 25 News, Holy Cross said counselors and campus chaplains would be available to students, faculty and staff, adding that the safety and well‑being of students is the college’s highest priority. Campus leaders also asked for privacy for Tocci’s family as local and state authorities continue their work.
Boating safety and spring water hazards
Connecticut officials urge extra caution for paddlers in the spring, when water temperatures remain cold and sudden immersion can cause shock and rapid incapacitation. The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection advises paddlers to wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets, dress for the water temperature and avoid paddling alone, guidance that applies to canoes, kayaks and other small craft. Those safety measures and other paddling tips are outlined by Connecticut DEEP.
Investigation and next steps
State conservation police said the incident remains under investigation, and local authorities typically coordinate with the college to notify next of kin and complete follow up reports after recoveries. Holy Cross has opened support resources for students and staff while campus leaders work with investigators to better understand what happened on Lake Hayward over the weekend.
