CHAUMONT, NY — New York State Police at SP Watertown were dispatched to Chaumont Bay on May 15, 2026, at approximately 2:50 p.m. following a report of a subject falling into the water from a small aluminum boat.
The Chaumont Fire Department, Cape Vincent Ambulance, the Jefferson County STAR Team and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene.
The Chaumont Fire Department requested assistance from the City of Watertown Fire Department, the Henderson Fire Department fire boat and the LifeNet helicopter to assist with search operations in the bay.
After an extensive search, the sole occupant of the boat was recovered from the water by the New York State Police Underwater Recovery Team and pronounced deceased at the scene.
The victim was identified as Ryan J. Cloe, 21, of Carthage.
He was not wearing a life jacket.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact the New York State Police at 315-366-6000 and refer to case number NY2600619751.
