A weekend kayaking outing off Long Island ended in heartbreak as authorities recovered the bodies of two missing men, 27-year-old Shane Garcia and 25-year-old Aaron Montemarano, in Shinnecock Bay between Sunday, Nov. 2, and Monday, Nov. 3, according to New York State Police.

Garcia’s girlfriend reported him missing around 8:45 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, after he did not return home following a kayaking trip earlier that day. Police later discovered his work van parked at the end of Shinnecock Avenue in Hampton Bays, raising immediate concerns for his safety.

Earlier in the day, Garcia had sent his girlfriend a photo showing himself and Montemarano kayaking near the Ponquogue Bridge, a chilling image now representing their final moments, according to Southampton Town Police.

The search involved multiple agencies, including the New York State Police Underwater Recovery Team, which utilized SONAR technology and dive operations to locate the two men. Despite the extensive efforts, the search concluded tragically with the recovery of their bodies.

Garcia’s girlfriend, Jessica Sarah, paid an emotional tribute on Facebook, honoring the man she described as her “best friend and person.” She wrote:

“Five years doesn’t feel long enough, but I’m so beyond grateful for the time that we shared. You weren’t just my partner — you were my best friend. Thank you for all the laughter and the tears. Thank you for loving me even at my lowest. I love you endlessly, my baby boy… until we meet again.”

Earlier, Sarah had urged friends and the community to assist in the search, noting Garcia’s generous nature:

“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.”

The Southampton Town Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities have not yet released details on what may have caused the kayaking trip to turn fatal, but the community mourns the sudden loss of two young lives.

Garcia and Montemarano are remembered by family, friends, and the local community for their spirit, friendship, and the joy they brought to those around them. Their tragic deaths serve as a somber reminder of the risks associated with water activities and the importance of safety precautions on the water.