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Two dead, two hurt after fall at Zoar Valley

GOWANDA — Two adults died while two children were in need of medical care after a fall at Zoar Valley at around 12:30 p.m., Erie County Sheriff’s Office and Gowanda Fire Chief Nick Crassi confirmed.

Three victims were found on the gorge floor near the Springville side of Zoar Valley. The two adults, William and Amanda Green of Buffalo, were discovered with a child.

“We received confirmation from the paramedic that two (adults) were deceased,” Crassi said. “We brought the one child that was infant- to toddler-aged … and transferred to (Women and) Children’s Hospital. … It was determined there was clothing for two children — probably for the infant and a young child around seven or eight years old. We were not able to find the 7- or 8-year-old (at the time).”

Crassi and the Cattaraugus team of Gowanda Fire and Gowanda Water Rescue and Repelling Team turned over the scene to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office at around 5:15 p.m.

The second child was found around 6 p.m. The juvenile was sent to the Buffalo hospital, as well.

This is the second accident at Zoar Valley in four months and Crassi stresses precaution and preparation.

“Everyone knows it is a dangerous area locally,” he said. “Cliffs could give way when you are walking on it; trees could make you trip. There are all kinds of things that can make you fall. Not wearing hiking shoes. All that stuff can contribute to not being prepared. When it gets dark in Zoar Valley, it really gets dark. … People get lost down there. We get more lost than hurt.”

New York State Police, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, the Collins and Collins Center fire departments and the repelling teams of Eden and Hillcrest were all on scene Sunday.

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