News

Oswego County Sheriffs Office

August 8, 2013

PRESS RELEASE

On 8/07/13 at 11:45 p.m., members of the Oswego County Sheriffs Office responded to an incident that occurred at the Salmon River Falls in the Town of Orwell. The caller, a 15 year old female, reported her two friends had fallen over the falls. Further investigation revealed that 19 year-old Michael Peters of Parish had climbed over the railing at the observation deck to get a better view of the falls when he slipped and fell. Kelton Lewis, 17 years old, of Pulaski, reportedly attempted to assist Peters; however, he also slipped and fell over the falls. Both subjects fell over 100 feet into the water below. Lewis was able to remove himself from the water and was located by emergency personnel. He was transported via McFee Ambulance to Upstate University Hospital with injuries not believed to be life threatening. Divers from the New York State Police and the Oswego County Underwater Search and Rescue Team recovered Mr. Peters body in 10 feet of water at the base of the falls. He was pronounced dead at the scene and transported via Menter Ambulance to the Onondaga County Medical Examiners Office. Members of the New York State Police, New York State DEC, Orwell Fire Department, Oswego County High Angle Rope Rescue Team, and NOCA assisted with the incident. Investigation is ongoing at this time. -30For Further Information Contact Sheriff Reuel A. Todd 39 Churchill Road, Oswego, NY 13126

(315) 349-3307 / 1-800-582-7583