45-year-old from Wellsburg died in when high water sweeps him down river
Fishermen work the waters along the Varick dam on the Oswego River in Oswego. On Tuesday, a fisherman drowned after he was caught in rising waters.The fisherman who died in the incident was Leonard M. Nichols, 45, of Wellsburg, Chemung County. Clifford Luther, 52, of Horseheads, is in serious condition at the hospital.
Luther and Nichols were swept down river when the water in the Oswego River rose quickly at about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday. Two companions also fishing in the river clung to a sign post before being rescued by the Oswego fire department.
Further investigation into the incident has determined that audible alert sirens were given in the area regarding the risk of rising water. The investigation continues regarding the time frame in which the alerts were given and when the water actually began to rise.
Brookfield Renewable Power, of Massachusetts, which runs the dam, is conducting a press conference at 4:30 about the incident. A statement will be read and no questions will be answered.
The company's chief operating officer of U.S. operations, Kim Osmars, said "we are grateful for the work of all of those involved in the response to the tragedy that occurred yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.
"We’ve initiated a complete and thorough investigation of our safety and operations protocols, and are cooperating fully with local authorities. I have asked Brookfield’s Chief Dam Safety Officer, Jeff Auser, to take charge of this investigation and he is on site now."