14-Year-Old Southeast Boy Tragically Drowns in Lake Tonnetta

Putnam County Sheriff Robert L. Langley Jr. sadly reports the drowning of 14-year-old Oscar Gonzalez. On September 3rd, 2018, at approximately 9:00 p.m. deputies from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department responded to a 911 call for a drowning that occurred at the Tonnetta Lake Beach, in the Town of Southeast.

When they arrived, deputies observed a group of individuals at the end of the dock and an adult male in the water. The adult male informed the deputies that he was nearby when he heard cries for help. He dove into the water to attempt to locate the teen but was unable to locate him.

Witnesses indicated that Oscar had been with three of his friends when a paddleboard they were on, turned over and Oscar disappeared under the water.

At approximately 9:51p.m., members of the Mahopac Falls Fire Department Dive Team recovered Mr. Gonzalez who was transported to a nearby hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead at approximately 10:17 p.m.

Oscar Gonzalez was born on September 17, 2003, lived in the Town of Southeast and was about to start classes at Brewster High School.

Sheriff Langley expresses his condolences to the family and friends of this young man.