State Police airboat locates drowning victim

published: 27 April 2021
by: Donna Thompson

The body of the 90-year-old Newport man who was reported missing earlier this month was found Monday in the West Canada Creek, according to New York State Police.

The New York State Police Under Water Recovery Team located the body of William E. Coman, of 8443 State Route 28 in the town of Newport, early Monday afternoon in the creek behind the West Canada Valley High School.

*The New York State Police Underwater Recovery Team on Monday located the body of Willian E. Coman in the West Canada Creek*

State police responded to his address April 2 after his wife reported him missing when he did not return from a walk on their property. Police reported at the time that it appeared he had fallen into the West Canada Creek.

A search followed and continued until the body was located with State police aviation, drones and airboat involved. New York State Forest Rangers and the Newport Fire Department also were involved. At one point, the water in the creek was lowered in an effort to assist searchers.