The tragic drowning of a 20-year-old college student during a late-night canoe trip has led to criminal charges against the lone survivor, who authorities allege was operating the vessel under the influence of alcohol.
Michael Collins, 20, of Mineola, New York, was arrested by Connecticut environmental police in July on a charge of operating a boat while intoxicated following the March 21 incident on Lake Hayward in East Haddam. The accident occurred after Collins and Dominick Tocci, a 20-year-old from Woodstock, Connecticut, joined friends for drinks before embarking on the trip.
Witnesses reported hearing distress calls from the water before Good Samaritans rescued Collins. Tocci vanished beneath the surface, prompting a multi-day search involving state environmental police, drone teams, dive units, and local emergency responders. His body was recovered from the lake on March 23.
Collins surrendered to authorities on July 10 and was released on a promise to appear in court, with a scheduled appearance set for July 23. No additional charges have been filed in connection with Tocci’s death.
Tocci’s passing deeply affected his hometown, where friends, coaches, and former teammates remembered him as a gifted athlete and vibrant individual. His stepmother expressed grief on social media, calling him “an amazing kid” who would be “missed forever.” The Woodstock Little League, where Tocci played before graduating in 2018, highlighted his “energy, laughter, and kindness,” noting his impact on peers and coaches.
An obituary for Tocci directed memorial donations to youth baseball programs in Woodstock. The arrest coincides with Connecticut’s recent enforcement campaign targeting boating under the influence, which emphasizes alcohol as the leading factor in recreational boating fatalities. A new state law set to take effect in October 2025 will allow BUI convictions to result in driver’s license suspensions.
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes urged boaters to prioritize safety, stating, “Every boater has a responsibility to keep waterways safe.” She emphasized sobriety, life jacket use, and prudent decisions to protect passengers and others on the water. Authorities have not confirmed whether Collins has hired legal representation.
