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Two young lives lost: Both kayakers now recovered from Shinnecock Bay

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Aaron Montemarano was found Monday; his friend Shane Garcia was recovered Sunday

The search for two kayakers who went missing over the weekend in Shinnecock Bay concluded Monday morning with the recovery of a Riverhead man, following the recovery of the first kayaker on Sunday.

In an effort that included searches on land using drones from the Southampton Town Drone Unit and ATVs combing the beaches, New York State Police divers recovered the second missing kayaker, 25-year-old Aaron Montemarano, about 11:30 a.m., Southampton Town Police said.

Divers recovered the first kayaker, 27-year-old Shane Garcia of Hampton Bays, from the bay on Sunday. Garcia’s body was located about 12:30 p.m. after marine patrol units discovered two kayaks and paddles washed ashore near Shinnecock East County Park.

Garcia was reported missing Saturday night by his girlfriend after failing to return from a kayaking trip. His work van was later found at the end of Shinnecock Avenue in Hampton Bays.

Heartbreaking post from girlfriend

Garcia’s girlfriend shared her heartbreak in a Facebook post late Sunday.

“My beautiful boy ❤️. 5 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,” she wrote. “Thank you for all the laughter and the tears. Thank you for loving me even at my lowest and being my ‘person.’ You taught me the true meaning of patience, love and understanding. I love you endlessly my baby boy ❤️

Authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the kayakers’ disappearance.

Top photo: (left) Shane Garcia, via Facebook, and (right) Aaron Montemarano, courtesy of Southampton police.

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