14 Year Old Southeast Boy Tragically Drowns In Lake Tonetta

Putnam County Sheriff Robert L. Langley Jr. sadly reports the drowning of 14 year-old Oscar Gonzalez. On September 3, 2018, at approximately 9:00 p.m. deputies from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department responded to a 911 call for a drowning that occurred at the Tonnetta Lake Beach, in the Town of Southeast.

When they arrived they observed a group of individuals at the end of the dock and an adult male in the water. The adult male informed the Deputies that he was nearby when he heard cries for help. He dove into the water to attempt to locate the teen, but was unable to locate him.

Witnesses indicated that Oscar had been with three of his friends, when a paddle board they were on, turned over and Oscar disappeared under the water. At approximately 9:51p.m., members of the Mahopac Falls Fire Department Dive Team recovered Mr. Gonzalez who was transported to a nearby hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead at approximately 10:17 p.m.

Oscar Gonzalez, was born on September 17, 2003, lived in the Town of Southeast and was about to start classes at Brewster High School.

Editor's Note: Brewster Central School District is offering grief counseling to those in need.