Petros Krommidas, 29, disappeared in April amidst his campaign for a Nassau County Legislature seat. He went out for a late-night swim in Long Beach—never to return.
Police found his car near the boardwalk shortly thereafter, with his clothes and cell phone left behind on the sand.
The young Democrat championed his party’s ideals on the local front, according to social media posts. Though it is unclear what brought him to the water that night, a fight remains to both protect his legacy and reconcile the next recourse with regard to such a grim and complicated case.
Supreme Court Justice Gary Knobel recently ruled that, because Krommidas is yet “legally declared deceased,” he will remain on the ballot—pending the outcome of a potential appeal.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Krommidas’ name will appear on ballots for the Board of Legislators District 4 alongside Legislator Patrick Mullaney, also of Long Beach. The Republican is completing his first two-year term in office.
Family and friends long searched for Krommidas, presumed lost at sea. He was last seen on April 23rd.
A couple of months later, his mother, Maria Krommidas, had yet to give up hope, posting on Facebook: "Not a single day has gone by without searching, praying and dealing with cruel fake ransom scams."
She implored volunteer searchers to keep going, adding: "I understand how much people have already done, and how life keeps moving, but as a mother, I have to ask again. We feel there is still hope."
"If you are a diver, I please ask you to take a look," she added. "You may spot something that others have missed. I still believe in miracles and have faith in our community."
Those with any information on Krommidas are encouraged to call Missing Persons Squad at (516) 573-7347.