Spring Valley Teen ID’d As Drowning Victim: Police

HAVERSTRAW, NY — State police have identified the victim who drowned Wednesday near Haverstraw Beach State Park as a 19-year-old from Spring Valley.

Eric A. Chugchilin, 19, drowned in the Hudson River around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, state police said.

The teen had been walking through the water when he entered a deeper area over his head, according to police. His friends tried to help him, but Chugchilin went underwater and did not resurface, police said.

At approximately 6:20 p.m., Chugchilin was found deceased in the riverbed, state police said. The Piermont Fire Department recovered his body.

The closest access point to where the drowning happened was the parking area at Haverstraw Beach State Park, on Riverside Avenue in Haverstraw.

Several agencies responded to the scene to help. State police were assisted by the New York State Parks Police, Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Forest Rangers, Department of Environmental Conservation Police, Westchester County Police Marine Unit, Haverstraw Police Department, Thiells Fire Department, Stony Point Fire Department, and the Rockland County Fire and Emergency Services Dive Team.

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Man Drowns At Haverstraw Beach State Park: State Police