BARRYVILLE, NY — On August 27, the New York State Police received a call for a reported drowning in the Delaware River near the Kittatinny Campground in Barryville. First responders and the Sullivan County Dive Team attempted to locate the victim in water and searched until dusk with negative results.

The next day, efforts resumed with the New York State Police Dive Team and the National Park Service. The search resulted in the discovery of a deceased male about an hour later. He was identified as Jonathan Hernandez, 18, from Brooklyn.

The investigation determined that Hernandez became fatigued while attempting to cross the river without a personal flotation device or life jacket, and he slipped below the surface.

Officials said drugs and alcohol do not appear to have been factors in this drowning, the first of the season in the Upper Delaware River.

Also assisting with the search and recovery efforts were the Town of Highland constables, American Legion Ambulance, Yulan Fire Department, Town of Lumberland Fire Department and the Highland Lake Fire Department.