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MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday 07-12-05 5:00 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Owasco Lake Death Ruled as Accidental Drowning

Sheriff Rob Outhouse reports that the preliminary Forensic Autopsy Summary is complete in the weekend death of Mark S. Sanders 47 years old of Fleming Street Auburn, NY who was recovered from Owasco Lake Monday morning.

Manner of Death: Accident
Cause of death: Drowning
Contributing Factor: Acute Alcohol Intoxication

The victim had been drinking and was in the company of friends and family prior to falling from a Personal Water Craft into the water and subsequently drowning.

He was not wearing a PFD (personal floatation device commonly referred to as a “Life Jacket”). The Sheriff’s Office considers the high level of alcohol in the victim’s system and the failure to utilize required safety equipment as contributing factors in his death.

“This is the third drowning in Cayuga County in ten days. All three deaths have the same contributing factor: Acute Alcohol Intoxication from excessive consumption of alcohol. These tragedies could have been avoided with people acting responsibly. Please respect the water and the hazards associated when you combine alcohol with waterside activities.”

Sheriff Rob Outhouse