A 16-year-old boy from Brooklyn, NYC died after jumping off a waterfall in upstate New York’s Catskills region on August 8.
The incident at Fawn’s Leap occurred while he was swimming with a friend. Both faced challenges swimming against the hydraulic currents produced by the waterfall. A bystander managed to assist one, but the teenager tragically did not survive.
Divers from various departments located the boy’s body, and he was declared dead at the scene. This event marks the third rescue effort at this location in recent weeks. Rescuers had to rappel down a cliff to save an injured swimmer on July 26, and a day earlier, 16 people had to be helped after torrential rains raised water levels at the Leap and nearby Rat’s Hole. The Department of Environmental Conservation, overseeing the area, stressed the importance of safety.
Fawn’s Leap, known for its significant waterfall, is a frequented spot, with many online videos showcasing jumps, some accompanied by safety advisories.