Binghamton University Basketball Player Drowns at State Park
Calistus Anyichie, a member of the Binghamton University men's basketball team, has died.
Authorities say the 19-year-old Anyichie drowned Sunday at Buttermilk Falls State Park, southwest of Ithaca.
Anyichie, who was majoring in political science, was about to enter his sophomore year at Binghamton University.
According to the Ithaca Voice, emergency crews were sent to the park around 5 p.m. Sunday.
Ithaca firefighters found an unconscious man in the water down a 15-foot bank. They used a rope system to extricate Anyichie, who was taken to Cayuga Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Anyichie was a forward on the Bearcats basketball team. He originally was from Nigeria.
University President Harvey Stenger said: "A talented young person has been tragically taken from us. This is a heartbreaking loss for our community."
Patrick Elliott, the school's director of athletics, said: "Calistus was a bright and engaging young man with an infectious smile. He loved his academic studies at Binghamton and embodied the exceptional spirit of being a student-athlete at our University."
Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com
For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.