Cliff-Diving Death In Fishkill Creek Is Being Investigated By Beacon Police

BEACON, NY — A tragic accident has taken the life of a Newburgh man.

Beacon police are investigating the death of the 34-year-old who went into Fishkill Creek while cliff diving Thursday evening and did not resurface. Police said officers, firefighters and EMS were dispatched at about 7:34 p.m., to an area just southeast of 508 Fishkill Ave.

Witnesses reported that Vincent Javinett jumped off a cliff and into the water. After he had not resurfaced for several minutes, witnesses called 911. Police said emergency personnel arrived in about six minutes.

Given the amount of time Javinett had been under water, Beacon police said, there was no chance of survival. Beacon Fire entered the creek in an attempt to make a recovery, but was unable to locate him. New York State Police later dispatched a dive team, and a body was recovered from under water.

Beacon police said they conducted an investigation and recovered video evidence from the scene. According to police, that evidence confirmed "beyond a doubt, that the incident was a tragic accident."

"Our thoughts and sympathies go out to Mr. Javinett's family and loved ones," the police statement said.

Police also used the incident to warn the public about the risks of cliff diving in the creek. "As this tragedy confirms, cliff diving into the Fishkill Creek is extremely dangerous and it should never be attempted."

The response involved the Beacon Police Departmnt, the Beacon Fire Department, the Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and the New York State Police dive team.