Rockland Kayaker Found Dead In Mongaup Pond After Overnight Search

ROCKLAND, NY — A Fourth of July drowning is being investigated by New York State Police.

A Pine Island man was found dead in Mongaup Pond after an overnight search at Mongaup Pond Campground in the Town of Rockland, according to NYSP.

State police assigned to Liberty responded at 8:48 p.m. on July 4, to a report of an overturned kayaker at the campground on Mongaup Pond Road.

Investigators said 56-year-old Scott N. Meyer left his campsite between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to go fishing in his kayak. At about 7 p.m., a bystander found Meyer’s kayak floating about 10 feet from shore. Police said that the kayak was overturned and completely submerged.

An extensive search for Meyer was launched that evening and resumed on the morning of July 5. Meyer's body was found by the Sullivan County Dive Team at the bottom of the lake in about 14 feet of water, near the area where he was last seen in his kayak.

State police said there were no signs of foul play at this time. They reported that the preliminary cause of death is consistent with drowning, and said the investigation remains ongoing.

The response involved multiple agencies. New York State Police said they were assisted by the Sullivan County Dive Team, the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Forest Rangers.

State police said the investigation is ongoing.