August 7, 2012

CONTACT:

Chris Gilbride / Ted Timbers  (718) 595-6600

Statement by DEP Commissioner Strickland on Death at Lake Gleneida

“We are saddened by the tragedy that occurred last night on Lake Gleneida, and are working with Carmel Police to determine what happened. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.”

Background:

Yesterday evening at 5:30 PM DEP Police received a notification from Carmel Police of a potential drowning victim at Lake Gleneida. The investigation indicates that yesterday afternoon a 6-year-old child was wading/swimming with a 59-year-old woman in Lake Gleneida. An unknown period of time later two men and a woman in a row boat observed a child holding onto a body in the middle of the lake crying for help. The child was not wearing a life vest. The boaters placed a life vest on the child and brought her to shore where they notified the Carmel. police. The child was not injured. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by the coroner. The cause of death unknown at this time.

In addition to DEP Police, Carmel Police, NY State Police, the Putnam County Sherriff’s Office, Carmel Fire Department, Carmel Volunteer Ambulance, and the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department dive team responded to the scene.

The victim has been identified as Pamela Kaner, 59, of Brewster, NY.