Two separate drownings occurred in Orange County on Saturday, August 16, prompting responses from multiple law enforcement and emergency crews across the region.
The first incident happened around 11:47 a.m. at Turkey Hill Pond in Harriman State Park. According to New York State Police, a 22-year-old man had been hiking with a friend before entering the water to cool off. As he walked away from the shore, he quickly went under and never resurfaced.
Troopers, along with the State Police Aviation Unit and Underwater Recovery Team, located the victim about 20 feet from shore in 10 feet of water. His identity is being withheld pending notification of family. Police say the drowning appears to be accidental, with no signs of foul play.
Just hours later, at approximately 3:50 p.m., troopers responded to Walton Lake in the Town of Monroe for another reported drowning. Investigators say 36-year-old Mohammadsadegh Kiani of Plainview was sitting alone on a yellow inflatable paddle board roughly 40 feet from shore when he lost his balance and fell into the water.
Witnesses from the nearby American Legion Post rushed to help and pulled Kiani from the lake. Life-saving efforts were performed by bystanders, EMS, and troopers at the scene. Kiani was taken to Garnet Health Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. State Police also determined this drowning to be accidental.
Both incidents are being investigated by New York State Police Troop F, with support from local agencies.
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