A college student from New York has been charged nearly four months after a canoeing trip on a Connecticut lake ended in tragedy, leaving one of his classmates dead. Authorities allege alcohol played a role in the fatal incident, which prompted a two-day search before the victim’s body was recovered.
Student Faces Boating Under the Influence Charge
Michael Collins, 20, turned himself in to authorities last week after investigators obtained an arrest warrant charging him with operating a boat under the influence. The charge stems from a fatal canoe accident that occurred on March 21 at Lake Hayward in East Haddam, Connecticut.
According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon Police), the incident resulted in the death of 20-year-old Dominick Tocci, Collins’ fellow student at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Canoe Overturned During Lake Trip
Authorities said Collins and Tocci were spending time on Lake Hayward with a group of friends when the canoe they were sharing suddenly capsized.
Both men were thrown into the water.
Good Samaritans nearby managed to rescue Collins, but Tocci disappeared beneath the surface. Police said the victim “went missing in the water,” triggering an extensive emergency search operation.
Two-Day Search Ends in Recovery of Body
Following the accident, Environmental Conservation Police launched a large-scale search involving multiple rescue personnel.
The search continued for two days before Tocci’s body was recovered from Lake Hayward on the afternoon of March 23.
The recovery brought a heartbreaking end to what had begun as a recreational outing among college friends.
Investigators Say Alcohol Was Involved
During the months-long investigation, authorities determined that both Collins and Tocci had allegedly consumed alcohol before taking the canoe onto the lake.
Based on evidence collected during the investigation, EnCon Police secured an arrest warrant for Collins on June 30, accusing him of operating the canoe while under the influence of alcohol.
Authorities have not announced any additional charges in connection with the case.
Collins Turns Himself In
Collins surrendered voluntarily at Connecticut State Police Troop K, where he was arrested and processed.
He was later released on a promise to appear in court.
Court records show Collins is scheduled to appear before Middletown Superior Court on July 23.
Both Men Were Holy Cross Students
According to the Telegram & Gazette, Collins and Tocci were both students at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts.
A spokesperson for the college confirmed that Collins remains enrolled but declined to comment further on the criminal charge or the ongoing legal proceedings.
Remembering Dominick Tocci
Dominick Tocci was a junior studying political science and was expected to graduate in 2027.
According to his LinkedIn profile, he completed an internship with the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office during 2024, reflecting his interest in public service and the legal field.
His obituary described him as someone whose personality left a lasting impact on everyone around him.
Family and friends remembered Tocci as a warm, outgoing individual who was “someone everyone wanted to be around.” Coaches described him as the kind of teammate who lifted the spirits of everyone in the dugout and someone whose kindness would never be forgotten.
He was also a lifelong sports enthusiast and was affectionately known as a “human sports encyclopedia” because of his incredible memory for player statistics and sports history. Tocci passionately supported the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and New England Patriots.
Case Remains Pending
The criminal case against Collins is still ongoing.
Prosecutors allege that alcohol impaired his ability to safely operate the canoe, ultimately contributing to the fatal accident that claimed his friend’s life. Collins will make his next court appearance on July 23, when the legal proceedings are expected to continue.
