NIAGARA FALLS — New York State Park Police responded to a vehicle that exited the Niagara Scenic Parkway into the Niagara River near the Bird Overlook at 9:15 a.m. Oct. 6.
The vehicle was traveling eastbound when it left the parkway and entered the river.
New York State Park Police, State Police, Niagara Falls Police and Niagara Falls Fire Department responded to the scene and began searching for the vehicle and any occupants.
Search efforts included drone assets from multiple agencies, a State Park Police Rescue Vessel, State Police Aviation and Underwater Dive team members, and a shoreline foot search.
At approximately 10:49 a.m., the Park Police Marine unit located a vehicle submerged in the river near the scene, about 50 feet offshore.
The State Park Police Marine Unit working with State Police Underwater Recovery Team members located a body in the Niagara River believed to be related to the accident.
No other persons are believed to be missing from the incident and the search has concluded.
The operator and registered owner of the Jeep Gladiator involved has been identified as Jason Beckman, 52, of North Tonawanda.
Beckman was declared deceased and transported to Erie County Medical Center for an autopsy.
The investigation is ongoing.
