15-year-old found dead after drowning in Genesee River

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A 15-year-old male was found deceased Friday after he drowned while swimming in the Genesee River near the Town of Caneadea, New York State Police announced.

Troopers responded around 8 p.m. Thursday to the Genesee River near State Route 19 and Oramel Hill Road, where an investigation determined two youths were swimming in the Genesee River when one of them was swept away by the current and did not resurface, according to NYSP.

Search and rescue efforts began and the teen was eventually located deceased around 11:30 a.m. Friday, police said. The victim’s name will not be released until his family is notified.

An investigation into the drowning remains ongoing.

Belfast Central Schools in Allegany County posted on its Facebook page that the 15-year-old was one of its students and that the district will provide support for its community throughout Friday.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the student. BCS will have counselors available in the building to meet with and support our students and community throughout the day as needed,” Belfast Schools said in the post.

Adam Gorski is a Buffalo native who joined the News 4 team in 2022. You can find more of his work here .