Details Released on Hinckley Lake Drowning
A day trip to a Hinckley Reservoir island turned tragic for an Oriskany man.
According to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, witnesses reported seeing 34-year-old Michael Litz of Oriskany enter the water in a channel on the east side of the island facing Trails End Campground.
Witnesses also say Litz, who was a short distance from shore, encountered unknown distress and struggled to swim.
He was extracted from the water and a nearby medical provider, also on the island, assisted with CPR. He was then taken to St. Elizabeth's Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
The Sheriff's Office says the incident appeared to have occurred in more than six feet of water and Litz was not wearing a life jacket.
The investigation is ongoing.
