Remains of Missing Kayaker Found in Shrewsbury River

Skeletal remains found in the Shrewsbury River have been identified as a Tinton Falls kayaker who had been missing since 2010, according to multiple news reports.

The State Police said the remains have been identified, using dental records, as David Civile, 28.

Police say a contractor making dock repairs on Little Silver Point Road in Little Silver on Nov. 28 found the remains.

Civile launched his kayak onto the Shrewsbury River on November 17, 2010 off of Howard's Beach, a spit of sand towards the end of Little Silver Point Road.

His kayak was found later that evening on an uninhabited island between Rumson and Sea Bright and for days, rescue teams searched the river for the 26-year old Tinton Falls resident who took off that warm November day into the cold river, surrounded by strong winds.

Civile's family donated signage to be posted at the Howard's Beach location, as well as at Santelle Park, to help increase awareness of the potential water sporting dangers posed by the Shrewsbury River.

Civile's parents, Joan and Richard of Cranford, along with his sister, Laura Civile Davies, who lives in Tinton Falls, were on hand at the June 11 Little Silver Borough Council meeting to present the signs in his honor. Mayor Robert C. Neff, Jr. presented the family with a resolution in support of their efforts in return.

Civile was the manager of the Trader Joe's in Westfield at the time of his disappearance. He was a native of Cranford, but moved to Tinton Falls in 2008.

"David's accident has shaken up our family and everyone who knew him more than words could ever say," his sister told Patch in an e-mail in June. "But if we can prevent this from happening to just one person through education and awareness, then we believe our foundation has served its purpose."