NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Edison, NJ, August 20, 2026: A family picnic at Lake Hopatcong ended in tragedy when 41-year-old Edison resident Kaushik Sharma drowned while paddleboarding, leaving behind his wife and two young children.
Sharma died Sunday, August 16, at Hopatcong State Park in Roxbury Township, according to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
Authorities said the incident was reported at about 2:30 p.m. after bystanders noticed an unattended paddleboard and alerted a nearby beach lifeguard. The lifeguard then notified first responders of a possible drowning.
Investigators believe Sharma had been paddleboarding in an area that was not supervised by lifeguards. Multiple agencies joined the search, and at approximately 7 p.m., Sharma was found dead in the water by the New Jersey State Police Technical Emergency and Mission Specialists unit.
The Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office was expected to conduct an examination. The incident remains under investigation by New Jersey State Park Police and New Jersey State Police. Authorities said foul play is not suspected.
A GoFundMe organized by Rakesh Ahirwar said Sharma died while enjoying a family picnic and described him as a kind, generous and compassionate person who could always be counted on to help others.
“His sudden passing has left his wife, two young children, friends, and neighbors grieving an unimaginable loss,” the fundraiser said.
The fundraiser said Sharma was known in the Edison, BAPS, Edison School PTO Board and Gujarati communities, which have been coming together to support his family following his death.
It also noted that Sharma’s family is in the United States on dependent visas, adding another practical concern as they cope with his death. The fundraiser does not specify the visa category or provide further details about the family’s immigration status.
Funds raised are intended to help cover funeral expenses and the family’s living costs in the days ahead.
Sharma’s death was one of two fatal paddleboarding incidents in Morris County that weekend. Jonathan Gresseau, 23, of Netcong Borough, was reported missing after falling into Tilcon Lake in Mount Olive Township on Saturday evening. His body was recovered Sunday morning.
Cover photo credit: Kaushik Sharma/GoFundMe.
