UPDATE: Drowning Ruled Accidental; South Toms River Man Identified As Drowning Victim

An 18-year old South Toms River man drowned last night in an inactive sand and gravel mining pit known to locals as "Fischer's Lake."

Gary Douglas was pronounced dead at Community Medical Center after officials from the Berkeley Township Water Rescue Team and other emergency personnel responded to an emergency call to the area around 8:45 p.m. last night.

In a press release, officials with the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office characterized the area as "difficult to access," and "extremely dangerous unprotected place to swim. The steep and sandy banks make it very difficult for an individual to find enough support to exit the water filled pit."

The statement continued: "Individuals should never swim there."

Detective Jay Mroczka of the Berkeley Township Police Department and Det. Brian Haggerty of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office are investigating.

A woman who identified herself in comments on the Asbury Park Press' comments section as Andrea Leith, Douglas' mother, wrote this on her Facebook page today: "I love you, Gary Douglas. I always will. You will always be my baby boy. Rest well my dearest son."

Leith was not immediately available for comment.