WESTFORD — The body of a man who died of an apparent drowning at Merrill’s Quarry on Labor Day has been identified, according to state police.
Officials from Massachusetts State Police told WestfordCAT that Chester D. Rodriguez, 18, of Methuen, was swimming with friends when he began struggling and went underwater, where he did not resurface.
According to a release from the Westford Fire Department, first responders received a 911 call at approximately 4:16 p.m. to report a possible drowning in the quarry.
Crews from Westford Fire Department and Westford Police Department, as well as Tyngsborough Fire-Rescue began searching the last known area of the individual. Massachusetts State Police Air Wing and the Lowell Fire Department dive team were requested to assist with the water search.
At approximately 5:24 p.m., the body of Rodriguez was recovered by the Lowell Fire Department dive team after he failed to resurface after jumping into Merrill’s Quarry, located off of Vineyard Road.
A Tyngsborough firefighter was transported to Lowell General Hospital by Westford paramedics for minor injuries related to the search.
There is no evidence of foul play, according to state police.
The incident is under investigation by the Westford Police Department. No further information is available at the time of reporting.
