West Haven Man Identified as Drowning Victim at Millers Pond

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today released the name of the victim of the drowning accident at Millers Pond State Park in Durham on Wednesday.

Richard Bland, 21, of West Haven was recovered from Millers Pond at approximately 5:40 p.m.  He was transported to Middlesex Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The drowning is under investigation by DEEP Environmental Conservation Police.

Original Story

According to NBC Connecticut, a New Haven man pulled from the water at Millers Pond State Park in Durham Wednesday evening has died.

The man's identity has not been released.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., DEEP Environmental Conservation Police received a report from state police that a swimmer was reported struggling while swimming at the park on Foothills Road.

Police, members of the Durham Volunteer Fire Department, Haddam Volunteer Fire Department, South District Dive Team and CSP Dive Team all responded to the scene. 

At approximately 5:40 p.m., a 21-year-old man from New Haven was rescued from the water by the South District Dive Team. 

Emergency Medical Personnel were performing CPR on the swimmer en route to Middlesex Hospital, where the man was later pronounced dead.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.