14-Year-Old Drowns at Popular Swimming Hole in Wawarsing

A 14-year-old boy from Ellenville drowned Wednesday evening while swimming at a popular Ulster County swimming hole , according to New York State Police.

Charief Spratley, of Ellenville, disappeared under the water while swimming with friends shortly before 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Rock Dome, located on the Rondout Creek on state Route 55 in the town of Wawarsing, police said.. Friends attempted to rescue him but were unable to reach him, and immediately called 911 for help.

Troopers from the State Police barracks in Ellenville responded to the scene around 6:51 p.m. and conducted an initial search of the water, but were unable to locate the teen.

The Ulster Hose Company 5 Dive Team was deployed and eventually recovered Spratley’s body from the swimming hole. He was unresponsive when brought to the surface. Despite emergency responders performing lifesaving measures, Spratley was pronounced dead at the scene.

Multiple agencies assisted in the response, including the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, Ellenville First Aid & Rescue Squad, Napanoch Fire Department, City of Kingston Fire Department’s Rope and Rescue Team, and the NYC Department of Environmental Protection Police.

The New York State Police say the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

Image: A 14-year-old boy died last week while swimming with friends in the Rondout Creek, State Police said. (Credit: Daniel Case/Wikimedia Commons)

Correction: Due to incorrect information provided by police, this story initially misidentified the swimming hole. It is Rock Dome on the Rondout Creek in Wawarsing.

Update: On September 2, 2025, the attorneys for the family issued this statement: “The Platta Law Firm has been retained by the family of the teenage boy who tragically lost his life in this incident. While the family is still in the early stages of grieving and case evaluation is ongoing, we are committed to providing them with the best legal care possible. “