The New York State Parks Police released the following statement on Wednesday:
“At approximately 10:15 a.m. on July 22, 2026, the NYS Park Police received a report of an 18-year-old male in the Niagara River near the bottom of the Whirlpool stairs.
“Witnesses stated the male had been standing on a rock fishing in a restricted area with five other individuals when he fell in the river. Witnesses further reported that the male was struggling to swim and stay afloat…