Rafael Cubano's body was recovered two hours after people he was with saw him go under water while he was swimming off Little Sandy Beach in the Hudson Highlands State Park, according to the sheriff's office.
Cubano was with a group of friends and relatives who were swimming together in the river in an area unprotected by lifeguards. Cubano became separated from them by the strong river currents and he became distressed. He called out for help but went under the water before his companions could reach him, according to the sheriff's office.
His body was recovered at 6:47 p.m. by members of the Mahopac Falls Fire Department Dive Team about 150 feet from shore, in a depth of about four feet of water. An autopsy is being performed.
Sheriff Donald Smith said the death was a "a horrific and sad tragedy for the family and friends who witnessed the drowning and who have lost their love one."
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