LOCKPORT, N.Y. — A Western New York native was identified as one of two people who recently died while hiking on a California mountain.
The two were identified as 28-year-old Andrew Niziol of South Lake Tahoe, Calif., and 29-year-old Patricia Bolan of Davis, Calif., according to a report from TEGNA station KXTV in Sacramento.
Niziol is originally from Lockport, a family friend who did not want to be identified told 2 On Your Side he once worked at New York Beer Project, which said it was "devastated" to learn of his death.
New York Beer Project learned of Niziol's death on Friday and issued a statement Saturday morning to 2 On Your Side. He worked there for more than two years, the company said.
"Yesterday, New York Beer Project was devastated to learn that Andrew had passed. Andrew spent over two years with New York Beer Project and was a beloved part of our team," the statement read.
"From the time he entered the building, until the time he left, he lit up the room. Andrew had an infectious personality, a love for life, adventure, and the outdoors. He was a favorite amongst co-workers and our guests. Andrew always had a smile on his face and made others happy. We pray for Andrew, his family, and all those affected by this great loss."
The Tulare County Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation. The cause of their death has yet to be released.
The bodies were found on Tuesday following an effort that included used a helicopter and search and rescue crews.
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