See Coast Guard diver pull body from a car at brink of Niagara Falls
A heroic effort to rescue a woman whose car wound up in the Niagara River came too late Wednesday as the unidentified driver, said to be in her 60s, had already died.
“It was an incredible job by the Coast Guard,” Park Police Capt. Christopher Rola told reporters.
How the car wound up at the brink of Niagara Falls is unclear, though a diver lowered by a helicopter braved unforgiving winter winds to aide whomever was inside the vehicle. Witnesses on saw the partially submerged car floating near a pedestrian walkway during a light snowfall that led to slick roadways.
A drone operated by law enforcement determined someone was in that automobile. The victim lived in the area.
The State Park department’s swift-water rescue team was unable to get to the sinking car, which was roughly 150 feet from the American Falls. That is the second-largest of the three falls that comprise the watery landmark on the U.S. border with Canada. Dramatic photos show the Coast Guard diver being raised back to the chopper on a cable along with the body of the dead motorist.
Temperatures at Niagara Falls dropped below freezing on Wednesday. Rescue workers’ efforts were not lost on Gov. Hochul.
“Saddened by the tragic loss of life at the Niagara River today,” she tweeted. “Thank you @nystateparks, @NYSPolice, @USCG, New York State Fire, Niagara County, & AMR Ambulance for your swift and heroic actions, and to @NYPAenergy for lowering river levels to assist first responders.”
With News Wire Services
