Two people who died in a boating incident Sunday on Kyser Lake have been identified as Larry B. Barton, 78, of Dolgeville, and Lynn Richards, 65, of Little Falls, according to New York State Police.
The incident happened at about 2:40 p.m. Aug. 9 in the town of Manheim.
Barton was aboard a blue pontoon boat when he entered the water without a life jacket and began experiencing a medical emergency, state police said.
The operator of the boat, Frank H. Decker, 52, of Little Falls, entered the water to help Barton, leaving the pontoon boat unoccupied.
Pontoon boats were traveling together
Investigators determined that two pontoon boats were traveling together in the East Canada Creek channel off Kyser Lake. The boats were floating next to each other and were lightly tied together.
Richards
was operating a separate red, white and blue pontoon boat that was connected to Barton's boat.
While attempting to gain control of Decker's unoccupied boat, Richards inadvertently placed the drive lever in forward gear instead of reverse, according to police. The boat struck a rock cliff, causing Richards to enter the water.
The unoccupied boat continued forward and struck Richards, causing fatal injuries.
Barton and Richards were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation continues
The deceased were transported by the Herkimer County coroner to Little Falls Hospital, where autopsies were scheduled for Tuesday.
The circumstances surrounding the incident, including the cause of Barton's medical emergency, remain under investigation.
State police said there is no indication of foul play.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Two killed in NY boating incident identified as investigation continues
