Teen Kayaking on an Otsego County Lake Drowns

A Herkimer County teen is dead in a kayaking accident on Candarago Lake in Otsego County.

New York State Police say 19 year old Dustin Groat of Jordanville drowned after his kayak capsized as a storm approached at Monday night.

Groat and another teen were paddling from the Canadarago Lake Boat Launch to Deowongo Island at around 7:30 p.m. June 18 when both kayaks overturned.  The other teen was unable to reach Groat but got back to shore to call for help.

Authorities say Groat was not wearing a flotation device.

Troopers responded to the lake at 9:44 p.m.

Rescuers, due to the choppy waters and the storm, were unable to enter the water until 1 a.m. June 19.

Groat’s body was recovered in 23 feet of water shortly before 4:30 a.m.

The investigation is continuing.