OCEAN GATE – A boater who went missing before Tuesday’s tornado-like winds unfortunately lost his life.
Matt Conway, 67, was remembered by his fellow bandmates in the Shamrock & Thistle Pipes & Drums as a man who loved his family, friends, and of course music. He was a multi-instrumentalist, playing saxophone, accordion, guitar, smallpipes, and trombone in addition to the bagpipes.
“The loss of our dear brother is immeasurable and will be felt by us for years to come. We ask that you please pray for his wife Pat and their family during this very difficult time,” the band stated. “Matt was kind, compassionate, intelligent, and funny, and his contributions to the band were innumerable. His memory will live in our hearts always.”
The band said that he was an experienced boater, and photos from home security videos showed him leaving with his life vest on.
The band thanked the Coast Guard and New Jersey State Police for their tireless efforts trying to find him over the last few days and nights.
The storm had blown through the area very suddenly, causing a lot of damage inland in Toms River, where residents reported seeing a tornado.
A release from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office said that he had been found washed ashore on Island Beach State Park on April 23, two days after he had gone out on his rowboat.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mr. Conway,” Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer stated.
