A tragic incident in Jefferson County has claimed the life of a young man after he reportedly fell into the water from a boat in Chaumont Bay.
According to New York State Police, on May 15, 2026, at approximately 2:50 p.m., troopers from SP Watertown responded to Chaumont Bay in the village of Chaumont following a report of a person falling into the water from a small aluminum boat traveling in the bay.
Multiple agencies were dispatched to the scene, including the Chaumont Fire Department, Cape Vincent Ambulance, the Jefferson County STAR Team, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. As the search continued, the Chaumont Fire Department requested additional assistance from the City of Watertown Fire Department, the Henderson Fire Department fire boat, and the LifeNet helicopter to aid in search operations.
After an extensive effort, authorities said the sole occupant of the boat was recovered from the water. The individual was identified as Ryan J. Cloe, 21, of Carthage, New York.
Cloe was located by the New York State Police Underwater Recovery Team and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Officials confirmed he was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact the New York State Police at 315-366-6000 and reference case number NY2600619751.
