Sounds to me like a different ATCO about 5 minutes after AWE1549 disappears from his radar. As a UK ATCO, I empathised with him when he had no idea if the aircraft had crashed, or ditched "safely".
I'm sure NY Tracon's CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) scheme kicked in to relieve him asap in order to give him support.
As has been said, very professional on both sides, and let's not pick holes in the RT!