Locals still swimming in Poestenkill Gorge after drowning

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Many people filled the prohibited area of Poestenkill Gorge Park in Troy Monday afternoon, despite police investigating a drowning from the holiday weekend.

According to police, a 26-year-old man from Troy was visiting the park with his friends and family on Sunday. NEWS10 spoke to Antonio, a father who visited the park on Monday.

“I saw this on Google Maps and I said, 'Let me go check it out,' but now that I hear about it, it's kind of tragic that, I came here with a kid, you know," said Antonio.

Officers said the victim was swimming in the prohibited area of the park Sunday afternoon when he began experiencing trouble. People nearby helped pull him out of the water, and when police arrived, the man was unconscious. He was transported to the hospital and was later pronounced dead.

Many visitors were in the same prohibited area of the park Monday afternoon. They said they were surprised to hear about this tragedy.

“I’ve seen people swim here today and it looks normal but yea that's a little terrifying," said Misha, a student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. "This is the first time I've seen other people here. It’s normally like really quiet, you listen to the water, look at the trees, and it's just really calm."

The last time someone drowned at this park was in 2020. Since then, police have added a few 'No Trespassing' signs and even a small fence blocking the pathway. However, a handful of people still found their way through on Monday.

“There’s already four 'No Trespassing' signs and we’re all here, so maybe fencing or something," said Misha. "But I don't really know if the city’s gonna be able to stop people who really want to be here."

Trespassers can be fined up to $250 if they're caught. NEWS10 also reached out to Troy's mayor's office to see if there are any plans to increase safety measures, but haven't heard back yet.

Police confirmed there was no criminality involved in this incident, and called it an accidental drowning. They're still warning residents to stay away from the water.