Body of Lewes man recovered south of Dewey Beach

The body of a Lewes man last seen going into the water near Rehoboth Avenue in Rehoboth Beach was found Aug. 20 south of Dewey Beach.

Rehoboth Police Lt. Jamie Riddle said the body of Timothy Toner, 43, was found about 11 a.m. in the surf of Delaware Seashore State Park, near Tower Road.

The Division of Forensic Science removed the body and a death investigation is underway.

At this time, no foul play is suspected, Riddle said.

Toner was reported missing when police received a phone call shortly after 1:30 a.m., Aug. 20, from a woman who said her friend entered the ocean and had not returned.

Riddle said a Coast Guard helicopter and Lewes fire boat responded to the search rescue.

The Coast Guard was initially notified of the distress call from Rehoboth Beach 911 dispatch center at 1:45 a.m.

According to the release, the Coast Guard launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Air Station Atlantic City and a 47-foot Motor Life Boat from Station Indian River to respond.

Also assisting were Delaware Fish and Wildlife Natural Resources Police.

Rehoboth Beach Patrol Capt. Kent Buckson said he was unaware of the details of the case, but he strongly discourages people from entering the water during off-duty hours, especially, he said, when the conditions are rough. Buckson said there are hidden dangers in the water that are especially difficult to see at night.

Buckson said the water was fairly calm the morning of Aug. 19, but the wind picked up in the afternoon, and the surf became extremely rough, and that persisted into the evening hours.

It was rough Sunday night, he said.

 Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay command center at 215-271-4940.