Autopsy shows drowning likely cause of man's death

OLD BRIDGE - Authorities investigating the death of a 62-year-old Sayreville man whose body was found in the surf at the Laurence Harbor beach July 1 believe that the man drowned.

Preliminary findings of an autopsy performed on Thomas J. Newsome indicate that "his death was consistent with a drowning," according to a press release from the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office. A final determination as to the cause of death is pending toxicology results.

Newsome was last seen at 7 a.m. July 1 leaving his home on Morgan Avenue to go for a walk to Laurence Harbor, where he was known to walk the beach regularly and collect shells. Police were called 40 minutes later to report a body floating near the shoreline, and Newsome was pronounced dead at 8:34 a.m. at Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy.

Anyone with information is asked to contact either Detective Michael Blahota of the Old Bridge Police Department at (732) 721-5600, ext. 3271, or Investigator George Trillhaase of the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office at (732) 745-3809.

Police noted that Newsome had his wallet was on his person when he was found, and nothing from his wallet appeared to be missing.

Newsome had a medical condition, which may have contributed to his death, the Prosecutor's Office said July 5. His daughter, Kelly, told the Sentinel that Newsome suffered from seizures in recent years since being involved in a car accident, and was taking medication for the seizures.

A lifelong Sayreville resident, Newsome was an operating engineer with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 68 until he retired in 1994.