On a sunlit afternoon in Orange County, New York, what began as a joyful day by the water ended in heartbreak. On Saturday, August 16, 2025, 36-year-old Mohammadsadegh Kiani, a resident of Plainview, Long Island, lost his life in a tragic accident at Walton Lake in the Town of Monroe. The New York State Police, who responded to the scene, pieced together the devastating sequence of events that unfolded around 3:50 p.m., casting a somber shadow over a place meant for recreation and relaxation.
Kiani had journeyed to Walton Lake with friends, eager to embrace the warmth of the summer day. Alone on a yellow inflatable paddleboard, he floated about 40 feet from the shore, where the water reached depths of six to seven feet. In a fleeting moment, he lost his balance and slipped into the lake. Witnesses watched in horror as Kiani struggled in the water, unable to stay afloat, before disappearing beneath the surface.
Across the street, patrons at the American Legion Post, a community hub buzzing with camaraderie, caught sight of the unfolding emergency. Without hesitation, several bystanders raced to the water’s edge, plunging into the lake to retrieve Kiani. Their swift actions brought him back to shore, where they immediately began life-saving measures, desperately working to revive him. The scene was one of raw human compassion—strangers united in a race against time to save a life.
Emergency Medical Services and state troopers arrived promptly, taking over the efforts to resuscitate Kiani. He was rushed to Garnet Health Medical Center, where medical staff fought tirelessly to save him. Despite their exhaustive attempts, Kiani could not be revived, and he was pronounced dead, leaving behind a void felt by his friends, family, and the community that tried to save him.
The New York State Police, assisted by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Town of Chester Police Department, conducted a thorough investigation into the incident. Their findings pointed to a heartbreaking conclusion: the drowning was accidental, with no evidence of foul play. The lake, serene and unassuming, had claimed a life in a moment of unforeseen tragedy.
This incident marked the second drowning in Orange County that day, as reported by authorities, underscoring the unpredictable dangers of water activities. The loss of Mohammadsadegh Kiani serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of vigilance on the water. Officials are urging the public to adhere to safety guidelines when engaging in activities like paddleboarding, emphasizing the need for life vests, awareness of water conditions, and never venturing out alone.
As the community mourns, the memory of Kiani’s final moments is intertwined with the heroism of those who tried to save him—a testament to the strength of human kindness in the face of tragedy. Walton Lake, once a backdrop for laughter and leisure, now holds a somber story, urging all who visit to cherish life and tread carefully in nature’s embrace.