Missing Long Island Kayaker Shane Garcia Found Dead in Shinnecock Bay; Search Continues for Aaron Monte-Marano

In a heartbreaking development, Long Island investigators have confirmed that Shane Garcia, one of two men who went missing while kayaking in Shinnecock Bay over the weekend, has been found dead. The search continues for the second kayaker, Aaron Monte-Marano, who remains missing as of Monday morning.

Authorities said police divers recovered the body of Shane Garcia, 27, from Shinnecock Bay on Sunday evening, according to Eyewitness News. Garcia and Monte-Marano, 25, were reported missing after failing to return from a kayaking trip on Saturday afternoon.

Earlier on Sunday, search teams discovered two kayaks and paddles that had washed up along the marshes near the bay. The discovery prompted an intensified search effort involving drones, ATVs, boats, and a helicopter, officials said. Using those tools, divers were able to pinpoint a location in the bay where Garcia’s body was ultimately found, PIX11 reported.

Long Island Kayakers Shane Garcia and Aaron Montemarano Missing After Sending Selfie from Shinnecock Bay

The search for Monte-Marano is set to resume Monday morning, with marine and aerial units continuing to comb the waters and shoreline.

Garcia’s girlfriend, Jessica Sarah, told reporters that she last heard from him around 3 p.m. on Saturday, when he sent her a selfie of himself and Monte-Marano enjoying their time on the kayak — an image that would later become their final communication.

“All contact was lost after that,” she said.

Police later located Garcia’s work van parked at the end of Shinnecock Avenue in Hampton Bays, near where the two men are believed to have launched their kayak.

In a heartfelt post shared before the tragic discovery, Jessica had written:

“The Coast Guard and both SCPD and Southampton Police Department have been conducting searches, and there has been no news as of yet. Those of you who know Shane personally know that he is the kind of person to show up for anyone and everyone — let’s do the same for him.”

Officials have not yet confirmed whether the men were wearing life jackets or other safety equipment at the time of their disappearance.

As the search for Aaron Monte-Marano continues, authorities are urging boaters and residents in the area to remain alert and report any potential sightings or debris that may assist in the ongoing recovery efforts.

Missing Long Island Kayaker Shane Garcia Found Dead in Shinnecock Bay; Search Continues for Aaron Monte-Marano