Press Releases
07/10/2026
DEEP EnCon Police Make BUI Arrest Following Fatal Lake Hayward Canoe Incident
(HARTFORD)— The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police announced today the arrest of Michael Collins, 20, of Mineola, NY, for boating under the influence following a fatal canoe incident on Lake Hayward in East Haddam that occurred on March 21, 2026.
On March 21, 2026, EnCon Police responded to a report of two individuals in the water after their canoe overturned on Lake Hayward. The two occupants had been out on the lake with a group of friends when the canoe capsized. One of the men, Michael Collins, 20, of Mineola, New York, was rescued by good Samaritans at the scene. The second occupant, Dominick Tocci, 20, of Woodstock, Connecticut, went missing in the water. Following an extensive search, Tocci's body was recovered on the afternoon of March 23, 2026.
It was alleged that both men were drinking prior to launching the canoe. Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, an arrest warrant was issued by CT Superior Court Middletown on June 30, 2026. On July 10, 2026, Collins turned himself in to EnCon Police at Connecticut State Police Troop K where he was arrested and charged with CGS 15-133(d); Operating a Boat Under the Influence. Collins was released on a promise to appear issued by the Court, and he is scheduled to appear in court on July 23, 2026.
- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.Communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110