Gallatin, New York – On August 13, 2022, the New York State Police, New York State Park Police, New York State Forest Rangers, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and several local fire departments responded to Lake Taghkanic State Park for a report of a swimmer in distress.

Witnesses at the park stated a male subject jumped from a boat and did not surface.  After a four-hour operation, New York State Police Underwater Recovery Team members located the victim, Juan P. Chauca Remachi, age 24, of Flushing, NY, deceased.

No signs of criminal activity or foul play were detected.  The Columbia County Coroner’s Office also responded to the investigation.

This investigation remains ongoing.