NEWS
Drowning in Greene County
The Greene County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating an apparent
drowning which occurred on August 8, 2023 at approximately 3:21pm. The
incident occurred at the base of the waterfalls at Fawn’s Leap where a 16-year-old
male was swimming with a group of friends, all from Brooklyn, N.Y. Investigation
at the scene revealed that the victim had jumped off the ledge at the top of the
falls with another friend. Both landed in the water near the south side of the base
of the falls where the hydraulic current caused by the waterfall was too strong for
them to swim out of. Another swimmer who saw that they were struggling swam
over trying to help. He was able to assist one swimmer, but was unable to get to
the second subject. The second subject was recovered by divers from The State
Police, Sheriff’s Office and Athens Fire Dept and was pronounced deceased at the
scene. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by Town of Hunter Police,
New York State Police, New York State Forest Rangers, New York State
Environmental Conservation Police, Haines Falls Fire Dept., Greene County
Paramedics, Hunter Area Ambulance, Hudson Fire, Athens Fire, Tannersville Fire
Dept., Palenville Fire Dept., Greene County Emergency Services and The Ulster
County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team. The roadway was closed for approximately two
hours during rescue/recovery efforts. The investigation is continuing.