Teen dies after boating accident

WANETA LAKE--A boating incident on Waneta Lake has left one person dead and sent two others to the hospital, Thursday, Aug. 10. According to the Schuyler County Sheriff's Office, the investigation is continuing into the cause of the accident which occurred at around 8:07 p.m. Emergency vehicles could be seen at the location on the lake known as Swarthout Point, which is on the east side, more than halfway up the lake, looking north.
In a media release, the Sheriff's department described the event saying "one individual fell overboard and was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other individuals aboard the boat were transported to Soldiers and Sailors hospital for treatment. The investigation is currently ongoing."
The victim of the boating accident was identified as Owen L. Thomas, age 17, of Rochester. He was a Brighton high school graduate in 2017.
Brighton Superintendent of Schools Kevin McGowan issued a statement in part saying, "We are in the process of gathering more information and exploring all manner[s] in which we can support Owen's family, friends, classmates and all of you. An active, accomplished student, a multi-sport athlete and just an all-around good soul, Owen touched so many during his school career from [Council Rock Primary School] through [Brighton High School]. We are incredibly saddened by this loss and express our heartfelt condolences to his family and all of those undoubtedly deeply affected by this tragedy."
After hearing the news, residents on Waneta Lake organized and held tribute for the young man, lighting red flares and displaying them around the waterfront at night, Saturday, Aug. 12. Pictures of the lake with red flares ablaze circulated on social media.
"Two days ago a tragic accident occurred on Waneta Lake," said Terry Allison, President of the Lamoka Waneta Lakes' Association in a statement. "Seeing flashing red lights, hearing sirens and seeing emergency staff rush to a scene brings summertime activity to a standstill. It puts a lump in our throats as we wait, hopefully thinking and praying that all will be right. Unfortunately, everything was not all right on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017."
A funeral Mass for Thomas will be held Wednesday, Aug. 16 in Rochester.
The Schuyler County Sheriff's Office is being assisted by the New York State Marine Services Bureau in the investigation.
The response to the accident included the Tyrone Volunteer Fire Department, Wayne Volunteer Fire Department, Schuyler County Ambulance and Morgan Marine.