A 26-year-old man from Syracuse was found dead in the water at Taughannock Falls State Park on Tuesday afternoon, according to New York State Police.
Emergency response teams from several agencies, including Trumansburg Fire Department, Trumansburg Ambulance, and New York State Police from Ithaca, were dispatched to the site at approximately 4:30 pm. Upon arrival, the teams located three individuals near the base of the falls, one of whom required treatment by Trumansburg EMS after being rescued from the water.
An investigation revealed that a group of four males aged 16 to 26, all from Syracuse, had entered a prohibited swimming area at the base of the falls.
The deceased, identified as Leo M. Nolasco-Cruz, disappeared beneath the surface and was later recovered by the New York State Police’s Underwater Recovery Team.
A 19-year-old group member was transported by LifeNet helicopter to Upstate University Hospital for treatment of hypothermia and water ingestion; he is listed in stable condition. In the wake of the incident, the Trumansburg Fire Department emphasized the importance of adhering to swimming restrictions and the presence of lifeguards.
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