Around 2:33 pm the Ithaca Police Department was dispatched to the Ithaca Falls near Fall Creek Dr. for the report of a person who entered the waters to swim but had not resurfaced.
Officers from IPD, Cornell, and the Ithaca Fire Department converged pm the gorges and waterways that filter into the Ithaca Falls to search the area.
Members of the New York State Police also participated in the search, as well as a State Police helicopter and dive team, according to an IPD press release.
Foul play was not expected, according to officers, but a body was recovered around 7:20 pm.
The victim was identified as Winston Perez-Ventura, according to police. No additional details were released.
Acting Chief Pete Tyler, of the Ithaca Police Department said “The Ithaca gorges are so, so beautiful but they can be very dangerous if folks don’t obey the posted signs.” He continued, “I encourage everyone to follow the posted signs on the gorge trails. Especially those that prohibit trespassing and swimming.”
Acting Chief Tyler noted that the signs are in place to keep people safe when they enter the gorges.
