A college student from Long Island has been arrested months after his friend drowned in a boating accident on Lake Hayward in Connecticut. Michael Collins, 20, of Mineola, was charged with boating under the influence following the March 21 incident that claimed the life of Dominick Tocci, also 20.
Authorities stated that both Collins and Tocci were students at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. They had been drinking with friends on the lake before deciding to launch a canoe. The canoe reportedly capsized, sending both individuals into the water in East Haddam. While bystanders managed to rescue Collins, Tocci went missing. His body was recovered two days later after an extensive search.
Collins surrendered to police last Friday, more than a week after an arrest warrant was issued. He has since been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on July 23.
Friends and family remembered Tocci as a "special kid" and a "bright light" who excelled in sports. His former baseball coach described him as having "exuberant" energy and a "big personality," while a longtime friend noted he was always smiling and laughing, stating, "there's no one that could replace Dom."