Teen Dies Trying to Swim Across River in the Hudson Valley

A teenager died while trying to swim across a river in the Hudson Valley.

On Saturday, New York State Police received a call for a reported drowning in the Delaware River in Sullivan County. First responders and the Sullivan County Dive Team attempted to locate the victim in water. The search lasted until nighttime but a body was not found.

Recovery efforts resumed Sunday. Later that day the State Police Dive Team and the United States Park Service son found a body near the Kittatinny Campground in Barryville.

The body was later identified as 18-year-old Johnathan Hernandez of Brooklyn. Police say an investigation revealed that the teenager likely became fatigued while attempting to cross the river without a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and slipped below the surface.

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.