Rescue After Hours-Long Cliffside Crisis As Negotiators Bring Distraught Man To Safety In Putnam County

COLD SPRING, NY — A desperate man, alone in the wilderness, learned that there are people who care, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of first responders.

On Tuesday, at 3:48 p.m., the Cold Spring Police Department received a 911 call reporting that a missing 34-year-old man was experiencing a mental health crisis. The caller said the distraught man was believed to be in the area of Hudson Highlands State Park.

Putnam County Sheriff's Office Deputies Sean Kane and Jared Gramble responded to assist the Cold Spring Police Department.

Deputies Kane and Gramble hiked the Washburn Trail and located the man standing on a cliff ledge. After making contact, they began communicating with him while additional specialized resources responded to the scene, including the Putnam County Hostage Negotiation Team, the Westchester County Police Hostage Negotiation Team, and the Westchester County Police Emergency Services Unit.

For approximately two hours, Putnam County Hostage Negotiator, Investigator Matthew Tunney, remained in constant communication with the man, patiently building trust and encouraging him to return to safety.

Following the prolonged negotiation, the man voluntarily stepped away from the cliff and was safely escorted from the area without injury. He was taken to the hospital for evaluation.

"I'm incredibly proud of everyone who responded to this incident," Sheriff Brian Hess said in a statement. "This was a true team effort that required patience, professionalism, and compassion. Thanks to the dedication of our deputies, negotiators, and partner agencies, this individual was unharmed and received the help he needed."