Charges Filed Against Canoe Trip Survivor
The only survivor of a tragic late-night canoeing accident in Connecticut is facing criminal charges. This follows an incident that, unfortunately, resulted in the death of a 20-year-old college student.
Michael Collins, 20, from Mineola, New York, has been arrested by Connecticut Environmental Police for allegedly driving under the influence in connection with the drowning of Dominic Tocci, also 20, from Woodstock, Connecticut, in March.
According to investigators, on the night of March 21, Collins and Tocci had been drinking with friends prior to their ill-fated canoe trip on Hayward Lake in East Haddam. The outing quickly turned disastrous as the canoe capsized, throwing both men into the water.
There was quite a commotion nearby, with local residents hearing shouts for help and rushing to the scene. They managed to rescue Collins, but sadly Tocci disappeared beneath the surface, prompting a mass search operation involving various local authorities and emergency responders.
After several days, on March 23, teams successfully recovered Tocci’s body from Lake Hayward. It was a few months later that authorities filed a warrant for Collins’ arrest, alleging that he had operated the canoe while intoxicated.
Collins surrendered to authorities on July 10 and has since been charged with drunk driving. He was released on a promise to appear in court, which is scheduled for July 23. As of now, officials haven’t indicated that any further charges are forthcoming in connection with Tocci’s death.
Tocci’s death has deeply affected his community in Woodstock, where friends and teammates remembered him as a talented athlete with a vibrant personality. A post from someone identified as Tocci’s stepmother shared the family’s grief, saying they were “deeply heartbroken” by his loss.
The local Little League organization where Tocci played previously expressed their sorrow as well, highlighting his kind nature and positive impact on those around him. They extended condolences to his family and emphasized that he would be dearly missed.
This incident comes amid ongoing efforts by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to improve boating safety. Officials reiterated that alcohol consumption is a leading cause of recreational boating deaths in the state. With a law that took effect in October 2025, anyone convicted of driving under the influence while boating could face license suspension.
DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes stressed the importance of safe boating practices, particularly not drinking alcohol and wearing life jackets. Fox News Digital has reached out to DEEP for more details, although it remains unclear if Collins has obtained legal representation.
