Missing Hopatcong man found dead in Virginia

BY ERIKA NORTON
HOPATCONG — After a nearly three-week search spanning two states, police confirmed that the body found at a Shenandoah River campsite in Virginia is missing Hopatcong man, Edward Piccola.
Piccola, 36, graduated from Sparta High School and was heavily involved in the local wrestling community.
On May 30, Piccola went missing after being last seen in Sussex County at Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub in Sparta. His cell phone was found on May 31 on the Lake Mohawk boardwalk.
Then on June 3, Piccola’s car was found partially submerged at a public boat landing in the Page Valley Estates area of Page County, Virginia, over 300 miles from Sparta. Authorities said Piccola had no known ties to the Page County area.
Investigators were able to find security video footage of Piccola at a nearby Walmart in Luray, Va., on May 31 around 9:30 p.m., where he purchased a blue kayak, a blue life vest, a small set of camping cookware, a poncho, whistle, water filter and a fire starter. He was also observed at a 7-11 in Luray around 10 p.m. purchasing cigarettes.
This was his last known activity of Piccola, according to Page County authorities.
An extensive, multi-agency search of the Shenandoah River area involving helicopters, drones, UTV’s, ATV’s, K-9 units, boats, kayaks and ground searchers, was hampered by heavy rainfall, large areas of thick mud, and river levels being 15 feet above normal.
Page County officials said they believed Piccola may have possibly entered the Shenandoah River in the blue kayak and was traveling alone, but never made it out of the river safely.
The Shenandoah flows for 57 miles until it empties into the Potomac River, according to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
On June 17, the Page County Sheriff’s Office got a call from Clarke County, which is three counties away, about a deceased male found at a campsite. The man was later identified as Piccola on June 19.
Maj. Travis Sumption of the Clarke County Sheriff's Office said that there is no foul play involved and out of respect for the family, they will not be releasing the cause or manner of Piccola’s death. He also said that no kayak was recovered at the scene.
Piccola’s sister Holly Piccola, who lives in Florida, confirmed the news on Facebook: “My beautiful baby brother has joined our mom and older brother in Heaven,” Holly wrote. “We are so thankful for all of the love and support we have received in the last 20 days. I wish the outcome had been different.
“I know Ed was loved by so many and that will bring my family and I something to hold onto in the difficult time,” she continued. “We ask that you please respect our privacy in this extremely difficult time. At some point we will plan a celebration of his life in NJ, but for the moment we need to grieve his loss.”
An online campaign, which was set up to raise money to aid the search effort, has now been made a memorial fund. Over $3,500 had been raised in 19 days.
To donate, visit bit.ly/edpiccolafund.