Man Dies After Falling From Sailboat in Niagara River, Body Recovered

A boating incident on Grand Island has left a Maine man dead after he fell into the Niagara River early Saturday morning, according to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say the victim, identified as 61-year-old Edward Lachapelle of Turner, Maine, went overboard from the back of his sailboat while it was docked at the Sandy Beach Yacht Club. Authorities received a 9-1-1 call at approximately 12:20am reporting that the man had fallen and appeared to be struggling in the water.

Emergency crews immediately launched a search effort. Roughly an hour later, rescuers located Lachapelle’s body more than 100 yards from the spot where he had gone into the river.

The Erie County Sheriff’s Office confirmed his identity Saturday afternoon and said the investigation into the circumstances of his death remain ongoing.

Man Dies After Falling From Sailboat in Niagara River, Body Successfully Recovered