The New York State Police is investigating a drowning that occurred in Lake Ontario near the shoreline of Little Field Place in the town of Ellisburg, Jefferson County.
On July 17, 2025, at approximately 6:58 p.m., State Police were dispatched to a report of a person missing in the water near 7883 Little Field Place. Belleville and Ellisburg Fire Departments, along with the South Jefferson Rescue Squad, also responded. While units were en route, dispatch advised that the subject had been located and removed from the water, and CPR was in progress.
Upon arrival, emergency personnel continued life-saving efforts on the individual who had been pulled from the water. Two other individuals who assisted in the rescue also required medical attention.
Despite the efforts of first responders, the victim, identified as Gregory B. Stewart, age 51, of Fordland, Missouri, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
One additional subject was transported to Samaritan Medical Center for treatment and evaluation. The second individual was treated at the scene and declined transport.
The State Police were assisted at the scene by the Belleville and Ellisburg Fire Departments, South Jefferson Rescue Squad, Henderson Ambulance, Town of Watertown Ambulance, the Jefferson County Office of Fire and Emergency Management, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation remains ongoing.
