Child Vanishes In New York River — What Police Found Is Stunning

A 5-year-old vanished underwater in a New York river during a tubing trip — and what police discovered next led to multiple criminal charges.

On Saturday, around 2:45 p.m., New York State Police were dispatched by 911 for reports of a 5-year-old who went underwater along the Canisteo River.

Child Goes Underwater In Canisteo River

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Police rushed to the scene in Steuben County, near County Route 119 in the town of Canisteo.

Arriving first responders searched the river for the child with no luck.

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Eventually, he was found on a small island in the middle of the river along with several adults.

Canisteo Fire Company

Due to the condition of the river, the island was not easily accessible, police say. First responders had to use rescue ropes to cross the river and provide medical aid safely.

A rescue boat was eventually used to move the child successfully and several adults from the island.

Child Went Tubing

Police say a 32-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man, both from Hornell, New York, went tubing with a 5-year-old and a group on the river.

The 5-year-old fell into the water when the river's current pulled the group into a partially submerged tree.

The child was rescued by a kayak in a separate group. Police say the boy wasn't wearing a proper flotation device.

The 5-year-old was evaluated by EMS on scene, transported to St. James Hospital for further treatment, and later released.

Canisteo Fire Company

2 Adults Arrested

Police didn't reveal the relationship between the child and the adults.

But the 32-year-old woman and 35-year-old man were both charged with reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child.

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Police also learned the man had an active "complete stay-away Order of Protection" prohibiting him from contacting the woman and child.

He was also charged with criminal contempt.

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Police add that their investigation is ongoing.

The 10 Tiniest Counties in Upstate New York By Size!

New York State is big, wide, vast, and beautiful, This gallery looks at the smallest of Upstate New York's counties.

Remembering that there are 62 counties in the Empire State, the very smallest ones are the boroughs of New York City, where their size can be counted in blocks an neighborhoods. But in the counties of Upstate NY we see a wide variety of land sizes.

This gallery looks at the ten smallest, but just step back a moment and put it all in perspective. Yes, these are small ones, but we also have some counties in Upstate NY that are gargantuan in size.

This is a fun piece of trivia. The smallest state in the United States (by land) is Rhode Island with just 1,214 square miles to it. And...there are 18 counties in Upstate NY that are largest than that whole state!

Do you live in one of the smallest counties in our state?

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

2025 Vacation Inspiration: 15 Places to Visit in New York State

2025 Vacation Inspiration-Top 15 Places to Visit in New York State

Sometimes the best places to visit are right here in New York State. New York State has something for everyone, from beaches, beautiful mountains, the bright lights of New York City, and the gorgeous roaring Niagara Falls, not to mention the many gleaming lakes throughout the state. Check out the many different options right here in New York State. These are the top 15 destinations to visit according to U.S. News and World Report. They considered sights, culture, adventurous pursuits, and the opinions of readers and experts.

Gallery Credit: Google Maps-Canva

LOOK: Counties with the longest life expectancy in New York

Stacker compiled a list of counties with above average life expectancy in New York using data from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

Filed Under: New York News

Categories: Hudson Valley News