A rescue mission for a dog stuck on a frozen lake quickly escalated into a desperate search at Millstone Park.
New Jersey State Police troopers and the Millstone Fire Department arrived at the park off Red Valley Road around 4:46 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, after receiving a report of a stranded dog stuck on a lake. They pulled the animal to safety but soon found a jacket and hat near a fresh break in the ice, with footprints and paw prints leading toward the water.
Investigators determined that Michael Rosen, 78, of Millstone, had taken his two dogs for a walk and had not returned. As darkness fell, crews launched a frantic search, sending dive teams into the water and deploying a New Jersey State Police aviation unit equipped with thermal imaging. The search yielded no sign of Rosen. Freezing water conditions forced crews to halt operations just after midnight.
At first light on Saturday, search teams resumed efforts in Millstone Park. Drones scanned the area as divers prepared to re-enter the water. Hours passed with no breakthrough until 2:30 p.m., when divers recovered Rosen’s body from the icy lake.
Authorities have not located Rosen’s second dog. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the full details of the incident.
Alondra Cabrera is the Editorial Assistant at New Jersey Digest. She recently graduated from Montclair State University with a degree in Communication and Media Studies. During her time at school, she discovered her passion for journalism and content creation. In her free time, she loves to create and edit videos for her corgis, Rafi and Toffe, and indulge in culinary adventures with her friends. Alondra also enjoys traveling, cooking, and working out. She is excited to embark on her professional journey in media and looks forward to contributing her skill and creativity to her role here at New Jersey Digest.
