ANGOLA, N.Y. — Town of Evans Police are investigating an incident in which a person was pulled from Lake Erie near Lake Erie Beach Park in Angola.
First responders were called to the scene just after 2 p.m. Saturday after the man was pulled out of the water. People at the beach tried to resuscitate him until police and fire officials took over.
The victim, only identified as a 48-year-old male, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are not releasing his name until all family is notified.
2 On Your Side has confirmed that the 48-year-old lived at a nearby group home for those with developmental disabilities. That home is operated by Suburban Adult Services Inc. or SASI.
That organization responded to an inquiry by 2 On Your Side with a statement from their CEO James Paterson. We have redacted the name of the individual as it remains unclear if all family has been notified.
"Everyone who knew [the individual] loved him. We have been in contact with the family, and we are working with authorities to determine exactly what happened. Out of respect for [the individual] and his family, we are unable to share more information at this time."
Per New York State Codes, Rules, and Regulations, facilities like SASI which operate under the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities are required to report the deaths of all individuals "considered to have occurred under the auspices of an agency." That report is then followed by an investigation.
The Office of People with Developmental Disabilities was closed Monday for the Columbus Day/Indigenous People's Day holiday. As a result, they were not able to confirm if they had received said report from Suburban Adult Services Inc.
In the meantime, Evans Police are reminding everyone to avoid entering the lake during inclement weather.