**Tragedy Strikes at Kyser Lake: Two Men Lose Lives in Boating Incident**
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In a heartbreaking boating accident on Kyser Lake in Manheim, New York, two men lost their lives on Sunday, August 9. The incident, which occurred in the early afternoon, involved a medical emergency and an unfortunate chain of events leading to their untimely deaths.
Emergency services were alerted around 2:40 p.m. to reports of a serious boating incident at the 175-acre lake. Upon arrival, New York State Police began an investigation to piece together the details surrounding the tragedy.
It was revealed that the incident involved two pontoon boats that were loosely tethered as they drifted down the East Canada Creek channel. Larry B. Barton, a 78-year-old from Dolgeville, was aboard one of the vessels when he unexpectedly fell into the water. It remains unclear what medical episode he experienced, but he was not wearing a life jacket at the time.
In a bid to assist Barton, Frank H. Decker, a 52-year-old man from Little Falls who was operating Barton’s pontoon boat, jumped into the water to provide aid. Unfortunately, by leaving the boat unattended, he inadvertently set the stage for further tragedy.
A third individual, Lynn Richards, aged 65 and also from Little Falls, was piloting a second, red-white-and-blue pontoon boat that was tied to the first vessel. Witnessing the emergency unfold, Richards aimed to help Decker and Barton. However, while trying to regain control of Decker’s boat, he accidentally engaged the drive lever in the forward gear instead of reverse.
This miscalculation resulted in Decker’s boat colliding with a rock cliff. In the chaos, Richards was thrown into the water. Tragically, the unoccupied boat continued moving forward and struck him, leading to severe injuries that would later prove fatal.
Both Barton and Richards were pronounced dead at the scene of the incident, a tragic outcome that has left the local community in shock. Their bodies were subsequently transported by the local coroner for autopsies, which are expected to take place on Monday, August 10.
Authorities have confirmed that no foul play is suspected in this unfortunate event. A spokesperson for the New York State Police indicated that Decker emerged from the incident unharmed and is co-operating with the ongoing investigation.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers associated with boating, particularly during times of emergency. The safety of individuals while on the water is paramount, and the events at Kyser Lake underline the necessity for proper preparation and adherence to safety measures, including the importance of wearing life jackets.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of Barton and Richards, remembering their lives and the impact of this tragedy. The ripple effects of such incidents are felt far beyond the immediate circumstances, serving as both a cautionary tale and a moment for reflection on the responsibilities inherent in water recreation.
Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant while enjoying water activities and to always prioritise safety to prevent similar tragedies in the future.