Missing New York Man Found in Irondequoit Bay But It’s Too Late

Irondequoit Bay viewed from Lucien Morin Park, New York, on Oct. 6, 2014. Courtesy of DanielPenfield/Wikimedia Commons

A missing 27-year-old man was found on April 14 in northwest New York state but he was already deceased by the time the search party reached him.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) confirmed that a joint search effort with the Webster Police Department, New York State Police (NYSP), the U.S. Coast Guard, the West Webster Fire Department, and more had recovered the victim’s body 10 miles northeast of Rochester.

“After hours of searching ... the MCSO and NYSP SCUBA teams located and recovered the victim’s board from Irondequoit Bay,” the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post dated April 14. “The body was transported to the medical examiner’s office for further investigation.”

MCSO confirmed the man was from Henrietta, 8 miles south of Rochester, but will not release his name until his identity has been confirmed.

“The name is being withheld at this time pending positive identification of the body,” the sheriff’s office said.

MCSO also expressed condolences to the victim’s loved ones and said it is keeping the family of the young man at the “center of this search in its thoughts.”

“Irondequoit Bay drowning victim recovered. Our thoughts are with family and friends of the victim,” the sheriff’s office said.

The announcement came after Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies responded to what was initially reported on April 13 at 5:09 p.m. local time as a capsized canoe in Irondequoit Bay about 100 feet from Stony Point Marina in Webster, New York.

“Upon an investigation MCSO determined three young men were canoeing in Irondequoit Bay when the canoe capsized. Two individuals resurfaced, one did not,” MCSO said in a Facebook post dated April 13. “The individuals who resurfaced called for help from a nearby residence after realizing the third individual did not surface.”

The MCSO SCUBA team used side scan sonar and other search techniques to find the missing man while the U.S. Coast Guard and NYSP helicopters completed aerial searches, and law enforcement agencies and firefighters conducted both a shoreline search and neighborhood canvas.

According to MCSO, the bay water temperature was between 32 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit with a water depth of 5 to 6 feet.

“None of the individuals was wearing life vests at the time the canoe capsized,” MCSO said. “Life vests were discovered inside the canoe.”

On social media, concerned citizens extended their sympathies to the man’s family and friends.

“So sad the waters not warm yet was he jet skiing? Prayers for the family,” Michele Alessi said.

“Rest in peace ... thank you to all who diligently looked for him and also to the two kids who went and got help,” Mary Kay Knorr said.

“So sad for his family. My condolences go out to them,” Debbie Kelly said.

“Not a good way to start the season, rest in peace,” Ken Zobel said.

MCSO thanked all partnering first responders for helping with the investigation.

“Thank you to MCSO deputies, including our SCUBA Team, NYS Police, U. S. Coast Guard, Webster P.D., Ridge Culver Fire Dept., and West Webster Fire Dept. for your expertise and assistance.”