Sunday morning began like any other in the village of Catskill, New York — crisp air, the rustle of leaves along the banks of Catskill Creek, and a handful of bystanders drawn to the calm flow of the water. At about 11:29 a.m., local residents noticed something wrong: a man’s body floating near the water’s edge. They called the authorities, and what followed was the start of a tragedy that has left the community with more questions than answers.
By Tuesday, investigators with the New York State Police (Troop F) publicly identified the dead man as 32-year-old McKinley Smith, a longtime resident of Catskill. Although his name now appears in the record, the major questions remain unresolved: How did Smith end up in the creek? Why was he there? And what caused his death?
When troopers arrived at the scene shortly after the call, they recovered Smith’s body from the water near the banks of the creek. The surrounding agencies — including the Greene County Sheriff’s Office and the village police department — assisted, yet as of now the exact sequence of events remains unclear.
What makes this case especially haunting for the close-knit Catskill community is the lack of clear context. Smith was a familiar figure locally, and to have his life end so quietly, so anonymously in the water, leaves a sense of unease in the air. Investigators say they’re actively working to determine both the cause of death and how Smith came to be in the creek. But for now, no foul play, accidental fall, or medical emergency has been officially confirmed.
In the meantime, the State Police have appealed to the public for help. Anyone who was in or around the Catskill Creek area on Sunday morning, saw anything unusual, or has any information at all is being asked to contact Troop F’s Middletown station at 845-344-5300. Their hope: a small clue might unlock the full picture behind Smith’s final moments.
For Smith’s friends and family, the painful wait for answers continues. Many are left piecing together their own memories: the last time they spoke to him, where he might have planned to go that morning, and whether something unforeseen pulled him into harm’s way. In such moments, the creek — once a peaceful local landmark — now stands as a site of unanswered sorrow.
In the days ahead, the investigation will focus on forensic findings, possible surveillance or witness leads, and any medical evidence that might shed light on what happened. Until then, Catskill holds its breath for resolution and closure — for McKinley Smith, for his family, and for the community shaken by this tragic discovery.