Two separate fatalities reported this week in the Adirondacks

From NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s weekly forest ranger report:

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate, and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from across New York State.    

Town of Harrietstown, Franklin County 

Snowmobile Accident: On Feb. 1 at 2:20 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch called Forest Ranger Adams about a snowmobile accident near McCauley Pond. Ranger Adams was on snowmobile patrol and reached the scene with Ranger O’Connor at 2:45 p.m. Saranac Lake Rescue and Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department were assisting the 39-year-old subject from New Jersey. Rangers Lewis and Praczkajlo helped package the patient in a litter and joined rescuers in transporting him to the trail and a staged UTV. An ambulance met the UTV for transport to a Life Net helicopter at Lake Clear Airport, which took the subject to the hospital. New York State Police (NYSP) alerted rescuers that the patient died from his injuries. Resources were clear at 4:41 p.m. Judging by the tracks, NYSP and Rangers determined the snowmobiler lost control around a left turn and crashed into several trees.

Related reading: Snowmobiler dies after Adirondack Rail Trail crash

Town of Lake Pleasant, Hamilton County 

Wilderness Recovery: On Jan. 2 at 12:40 p.m., the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Dispatch requested Forest Ranger assistance in the search for a missing subject. The family of the 44-year-old from Rotterdam was concerned for his well-being. New York State Police found the subject’s car on NY 30 just west of Jessup Bridge. Rangers Caswell, Hamm, and O’Connell, along with Sheriff’s Deputies, followed footprints from the car and at 3:15 p.m., located the subject deceased in the Jessup River Wild Forest. They transported the subject to the coroner.

New York State

Job Opportunity: In 2025, DEC hopes to employ approximately 22 Assistant Forest Rangers in various capacities across the state. A typical season runs from mid-May through early September or mid-October, depending on the DEC region and need. Assistant Forest Rangers play a vital role protecting, preserving, and enhancing natural resources on State lands, as well as maintaining public safety. For more information, including minimum qualification and how to apply, visit the Assistant Forest Rangers webpage.