Bucks County Man Drowned in Delaware River in New York State

A Bucks County man drowned in New York State over the holiday weekend state police said.

New York State Police said they responded to the 2300 block of State Route 97 in Pond Eddy for s reported drowning in the Delaware River.

The drowning took place on July 7, 2024, and at approximately 12:40 p.m., Troopers from the Liberty barracks responded to the area, authorities said.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Chirag Patel, 37, from Bensalem, Pennsylvania, was swimming in the Delaware River during a rafting trip when he submerged and did not return to the surface. Port Jervis Fire and Rescue located Patel in the water, and he was removed from the river and declared deceased at the scene, according to authorities.

As of July 8, the investigation is ongoing and being investigated by the State Police Liberty Bureau of Criminal Investigation.