Man Dies in Kayaking Accident at Mongaup Pond

LIBERTY, N.Y. — A man died after an apparent drowning at Mongaup Pond in the Town of Rockland over the Fourth of July weekend, according to New York State Police.

Troopers assigned to the Liberty barracks responded at approximately 8:48 p.m. July 4 to a report of an overturned kayaker at Mongaup Pond Campground, 231 Mongaup Pond Road.

Investigators said Scott N. Meyer, 56, of Pine Island, NY, left his campsite between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to go fishing in a kayak. At about 7 p.m., a bystander found the kayak floating roughly 10 feet from shore. The vessel was overturned and fully submerged.

An extensive search was launched that evening and resumed the morning of July 5. Meyer was later located by the Sullivan County Dive Team at the bottom of the lake in approximately 14 feet of water, near the area where he was last seen.

Authorities said there were no immediate signs of foul play. The preliminary cause of death is consistent with drowning. The investigation remains ongoing.

According to the Highland Lake Fire Department, its members responded as part of the Sullivan County Dive and Rescue Team to assist the Livingston Manor Fire Department with the search. Divers, surface support personnel and a rescue boat operated at the scene until about 3 a.m. before returning to service, restocking equipment and returning to the campground early July 5. Crews were back on the water by about 8 a.m.

The department said sonar units from the Kauneonga Lake Fire Department and Highland Lake Fire Department helped guide divers to the victim several hours later.

Highland Lake Fire Department described the operation as a coordinated effort involving the Livingston Manor Fire Department, New York State Forest Rangers, New York State Police, the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office drone unit, the Sullivan County Bureau of Fire, the Sullivan County 911 Center, dive and rescue personnel from multiple Sullivan County fire departments, and the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team.

Following the incident, the department urged the public to wear life jackets while on or near the water.

New York State Police said they were assisted by the Sullivan County Dive Team, the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Forest Rangers.

This story was updated on July 6, 2026, with additional details from the Highland Lake Fire Department.

Image credit: New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation