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Illinois Man Dies After Tragic Fall at Kaaterskill Falls in Hunter, NY

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Hunter, NY — A 70-year-old hiker from Illinois died after suffering a fatal fall at Kaaterskill Falls, one of New York’s most popular and scenic hiking destinations, on Friday, June 20.

According to New York State Police, troopers from the Catskill barracks responded to a 911 call reporting an injured hiker at approximately 6:16 p.m. near Laurel House Road in the Town of Hunter, Greene County.

The victim, identified as Jack Wersching of Park Ridge, Illinois, was hiking in the area when he fell from a rock ledge onto the stone steps below. He suffered severe injuries, prompting immediate life-saving efforts by first responders. Tragically, despite their attempts to revive him, Wersching was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The circumstances leading up to the fall are still under investigation.

Kaaterskill Falls is known for its breathtaking views but has also become notorious for a number of accidents and fatalities over the years. Trail safety has been a significant focus for state and local agencies, with warnings posted about hazardous ledges, unstable footing, and the importance of staying on marked trails.

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Police/Fire/EMS

Thiells Fire Department Leads Response to Haverstraw Chimney Fire with Multiple Mutual-Aid Crews

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The Thiells Fire Department, along with multiple mutual-aid agencies, responded to a reported chimney fire at a two-story split-level home in Haverstraw, where arriving units confirmed an active fire on the rear (“4 side”) of the structure.

Upon arrival, Chief Connolly (26-1) confirmed a working fire and requested the Stony Point Fire Department FASTeam to the scene. Command also notified all units that the home was equipped with solar panels, adding an additional safety concern for responding crews.

First Assistant Chief Jeff Kahn (26-2), assigned to interior operations, reported that the fire had extended inside the walls of the residence.

Engine 26-1501 stretched a 1¾-inch attack line to the rear of the home to knock down visible exterior fire, while a second crew secured power to the solar panels. 26-Tanker flushed the hydrant and stretched a second attack line into the structure.

Interior teams pulled ceilings and walls, locating active fire inside the living room wall. Fire was quickly knocked down and contained to its area of origin. Meanwhile, 23-99 set up in front of the residence and initiated roof operations.

Hillcrest Fire Department provided an engine and manpower to support interior crews, while the Haverstraw Fire Department stood by in quarters with an engine during the operation.

Officials thanked all mutual-aid companies, the department’s Ladies Auxiliary, Haverstraw Police, Haverstraw EMS, the Town of Haverstraw DPW, and Orange & Rockland Utilities for assisting at the scene.

The incident was logged as Incident #288. No injuries were reported.

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Police/Fire/EMS

Ramapo Police: Vintage Military Device Discovered During Home Cleanout

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HILLCREST, N.Y. — A piece of decades-old military ordnance was safely removed from a Hillcrest residence Sunday evening after being discovered during a basement cleanout, according to the Ramapo Police Department.

Police were called to the home after the homeowner found what appeared to be an old munitions device, believed to have belonged to a Korean War veteran who once lived at the property. Because it was unclear whether the device was still active, officers contacted the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Disposal Unit as a precaution.

Bomb technicians responded to the scene, evaluated the device using specialized equipment, and safely removed it from the home. Authorities said the situation was handled without incident, and no residents were injured.

Police reported that everything was resolved smoothly and there was no threat to the surrounding neighborhood.

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