The body of a New Jersey teacher who had been missing for several days was found in his submerged car in the Passaic River on Tuesday, December 10, according to local authorities.
The teacher, Brian Kolakowski, 37, was a physical education instructor at Washington Middle School and the girls’ tennis coach at Harrison High School in Harrison, New Jersey. He was reported missing on December 4.
Security camera footage showed Kolakowski’s Volkswagen Jetta entering the Passaic River via a boat ramp at the Frank Vincent Marina in Kearny, New Jersey at 4:29 a.m. on the day he disappeared.
The recovery operation was challenging as the vehicle had drifted downstream from the marina before it capsized and sank. The teams faced harsh weather and poor underwater visibility during the days-long search.
The Kearny Police Department confirmed there was no evidence of criminal activity or any threat to public safety related to the incident.
Kolakowski, who lived in North Arlington, New Jersey and was fondly known as “Kola,” had been an educator since 2010. He was recently honored as the North Jersey Inter Scholastic Conference Meadowlands Coach of the Year.
Under his guidance, the Harrison High School Girls Tennis Team won the NJIC Meadowlands League Championship this season.
The Superintendent of Harrison Public Schools, Maureen Kroog, and Personnel Director James Doran, who also serves as a Councilman for the Town of Harrison, expressed their grief in a statement. In a letter to the parents of students, they praised Kolakowski for his unwavering commitment, kindness, and his positive impact on those within the Harrison School District. They highlighted the deep loss felt by the schools and the entire community due to his passing.
Counseling services have been provided by Harrison Public Schools for students and staff in the wake of this tragic event.
