GRAND ISLAND – The Erie County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a man fatally fell off a sailboat into the Niagara River.
At approximately 12:20 a.m. on today’s date, deputies responded to the vicinity of the Sandy Beach Yacht Club in the Town of Grand Island. A 911 caller reported the male had fallen from the back of his docked boat and may be drowning. At the time of patrol’s arrival, it was stated that the male had previously been observed in the water; however, his exact whereabouts were now unknown. Several bystanders and multiple first responder agencies assisted in searching for the male. At approximately 1:20 a.m., members of the Grand Island Fire Company located the victim’s body more than 100 yards from where he was reported to have fallen in the water.
The victim has been identified as Edward Lachapelle, 61, of Turner, Maine.
Sheriff Garcia thanks the Grand Island Fire Company, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, United States Border Patrol, United States Coast Guard and several other fire departments for their assistance.
