Crime & Safety
Lost Hiker Found Dead In Bear Mountain State Park
Authorities said the man was hiking with two other people and got separated from them.
HIGHLANDS, NY — A hiker from Westchester County was found dead after he became lost in Bear Mountain State Park.
The New York State Police said they were told around 9 p.m.Tuesday that Omar Benitez, 23, of White Plains, was hiking with two friends when he became separated from them.
Troopers and park police, along with a bloodhound, searched the area until 2:45 a.m. Wednesday with no results, authorities said.
Find out what's happening in Mid Hudson Valleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The search was ended due to darkness and safety, and it resumed at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Benitez's body was found around 10 a.m. Wednesday in Popolopen Creek.
Find out what's happening in Mid Hudson Valleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The investigation, which is ongoing, found that he slipped and fell into the water. Police said there were no signs of foul play.
Participants in the search included state police investigators and uniformed members, state police Unmanned Aerial Surveillance, New York State Park Police, state police Aviation Unit, state police Underwater Recovery Unit and New York State Special Operations Response Team.
State police said the investigation is ongoing.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
