On October 6, 2025, at 09:15 A.M., New York State Park Police responded to a vehicle traveling east bound that exited the Niagara Scenic Parkway into the Niagara River near the Bird Overlook. The New York State Park Police along with State Police, Niagara Falls Police and Niagara Falls Fire Department responded to the scene and commenced a search for the vehicle and any occupants. Drone assets from multiple agencies, a State Park Police Rescue Vessel, State Police Aviation and Underwater Dive team members as well as a shoreline foot search were all utilized in the search effort. At approximately 10:49 a.m., the Park Police Marine unit located a vehicle submerged in the river near the scene, about 50 feet offshore.
On October 6, 2025 the State Park Police Marine Unit working with State Police Underwater Recovery Team members located a body in the Niagara River believed to be related to the accident. No other persons are believed to be missing from the incident and the search has concluded.
The operator registered owner of the Jeep Gladiator involved have been identified as Jason Beckman, 52 of North Tonawanda, NY. Beckman was declared deceased and transported to Erie County Medical Center for an autopsy.
