POND EDDY – State Police have released the identity of the man who drowned in the Upper Delaware River on Sunday as a 37-year-old Bensalem, Pennsylvania man.
The death of Chirag Patel early in the afternoon follows the June 29 drowning of 24-year-old Jeysson Ariel Osorio-Reyes of Ocean County, New Jersey near Milford Beach, Pennsylvania.
According to New York State Police, at approximately 12:40 p.m. on July 7, troopers from the Liberty barracks responded to the area of 2362 State Route 97, Pond Eddy, for a report of a drowning in the Delaware River.
A preliminary investigation revealed that Patel was swimming in the river during a rafting trip when he submerged and did not return to the surface.
Port Jervis Fire Department located Patel in the water where he was removed and declared dead at the scene.
The investigation is ongoing and being investigated by the State Police Liberty Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Pennsylvania and New York water operations units responded from counties and fire departments on both sides of the river. Highland Lake Fire Department was among the departments.
According to Highland Lakes Chief Warren Wagner, it was initially reported that the victim had fallen out of a raft in lower Shohola rapids, was not wearing a life jacket, and was unable to swim.
When rescuers reached that area none of those who had been rafting with this person were still in that location. A short time later, as divers were getting ready to dive in the point where the missing person was last seen, it was reported that a body had been spotted further down the river.
Port Jervis Fire Department as part of Battalion 8 Water Rescue Team was able to recover the victim.
Wagner, along with Lumberland Fire Department Chief Eric Robles, National Park Service Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreation River Chief of Interpretation Ingrid Peterec, and others strongly stressed the vital need to wear life jackets whenever anyone enters the Delaware River.
“I’ve never worked a drowning on the river, or even in lakes, where a person was wearing a properly fitted life jacket,” Wagner said. “This means the right size for children and adults, and worn properly.”
Peterec noted that the number one cause of drowning in the river has been swimming.
“Whether boating or swimming, life jackets save lives. No one has drowned while wearing a properly fitted life jacket,” said Peterec.
To become better informed about the dangers and warnings that come with enjoying the Delaware River, NPS says it is important to know that the Delaware River is a great place to enjoy a variety of recreational activities such as rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. However, it is important to not only have fun but also stay safe while you are out on the water. River obstacles, deceptively fast currents, steep drop-offs, and year-round cold-water temperatures are just a few things that can catch unprepared river users by surprise. We strongly recommend anyone interested in going on or in the river to watch this safety video beforehand.
