GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. – The Erie County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after Edward Lachapelle, 61, of Turner, Maine, tragically lost his life following a fall into the Niagara River early Saturday morning.
Deputies were called at approximately 12:20 a.m. to the Sandy Beach Yacht Club area after a 911 caller reported that a man had fallen from the back of his docked sailboat and was believed to be drowning.
When first responders arrived, bystanders stated they had seen the man in the water, but his location was unknown. A large search effort was launched with the help of multiple agencies.
At about 1:20 a.m., members of the Grand Island Fire Company located Lachapelle’s body more than 100 yards from where he was first reported to have fallen.
Sheriff John C. Garcia extended thanks to the Grand Island Fire Company, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard, and several local fire departments for their assistance.
The incident remains under investigation.