Body Suspected to Have Gone Over Niagara Falls After Vehicle Plunged into Upper Rapids

UPDATE: BODY FOUND

Click link for updated article: https://www.niagaraaction.com/body-found-in-niagara-river-after-vehicle-plunged-into-upper-rapids

Authorities spent much of Monday searching the Niagara River after a vehicle was reported to have driven into the upper rapids from the Niagara Scenic Parkway.

Calls to 911 came in around 9:20am about a Jeep-style pickup entering the water near the bird overlook, east of the Old Stone Chimney. Witnesses told police they saw the male driver leave the vehicle after it entered the river and attempt to swim in the turbulent waters. He never made it to shore.

Multiple agencies responded including New York State Park Police, State Police, Niagara Falls Police and Fire, who immediately launched a large-scale search by air, land, and water. Resources included drones, a State Park Police rescue vessel, a State Police aviation unit, and underwater dive teams. Officers were also stationed along the shoreline to assist.

By 10:49am, the Park Police Marine unit located a submerged vehicle about 50 feet from shore in the same area it was last seen. State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation officers, along with the Underwater Recovery Team, assessed how to access and remove the vehicle safely.

While the truck has been found, no sign of the driver has been confirmed. Officials said the investigation into the circumstances of the incident remains ongoing. State Park Police, working with State Police and Niagara Falls city departments, continued the search into the afternoon hours.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact New York State Park Police at (716) 278-1777.

Body Suspected to Have Gone Over Niagara Falls After Vehicle Plunged into Upper Rapids