On Friday, December 9 at 3:19 pm, New York State Environmental Conservation Police Officer (ECO) Tabor notified the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Ray Brook Dispatch office that Oneida County requested Forest Ranger assistance with the search for 55-year-old Michael R. Ingersoll, who had left home on an ATV (all terrain vehicle) at about 7:30 pm on Thursday, December 8th.
Ingersoll’s ATV (all terrain vehicle) was found rolled over in Little Woodhull Creek in the town of Forestport, Oneida County, but could not be located.
New York State Police led the search efforts with an underwater recovery team and drone operators. DEC Forest Ranger Lieutenant Hoag and Rangers Murphy and Piersma responded with ECOs Noyes and Tabor and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department.Family friends and volunteers also responded to aid in locating Ingersoll.
After a full day of searching, rescue crews continued the following day until about 10:30 pm, when a State Police drone operator located the victim’s body approximately one-half mile downstream from where the ATV was found.
State Police say the evidence is consistent with drowning. An autopsy is planned to determine the official cause of death.
In addition to his parents, Roy and Joan Ingersoll, Forestport, Ingersoll is survived by one son, Geoffrey Ingersoll; his siblings, James (Karen) R. Ingersoll, Forestport and Deborah L. Kiskiel, Lee Center; two nephews and a niece, Nicholas, Evan and Jenna, several aunts, uncles and cousins, including cousin and close friends, Cindy and Jody Combs, Forestport, and his dog Buddy.
His family thanked members of the New York State Police, Oneida County Sheriff Department, Forest Rangers and the friends and volunteers who responded when he was reported missing.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Humane Society of Rome, P.O. Box 4572, Rome, New York 13442.
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