Darwin J. Chuiza-Tagua dies in fatal Harriman State Park drowning
Fatal Harriman State Park drowning death of Darwin J. Chuiza-Tagua
New York State police identified the individual who drowned in Turkey Hill Pond at Harriman State Park as 22-year-old Darwin J. Chuiza-Tagua from Spring Valley. According to official police reports.
On the afternoon of August 16, troopers received a call around 11:47 a.m. regarding a potential drowning incident at Turkey Hill Pond inside the Harriman State Park, located in the town of Highlands.
The investigation revealed that a young man, aged 22, was hiking with a companion in the Turkey Hill region of the park that morning. Following the hike, approximately 11:35 a.m., this man decided to enter the pond to cool off. As he began walking away from the edge, he submerged beneath the surface and failed to reappear.
Park rangers or bystanders discovered the deceased person near the shore, about 20 feet from the bank, in water that was roughly 10 feet deep. Police confirmed the death scene.
Preliminary findings indicate the drowning was accidental in nature.
The state police utilized specialized resources, including an aviation unit and an underwater recovery team, for the search and recovery efforts. Park rangers also provided support during the operation.
