State Police at Highland today recovered the body of David A. Vena, 49, of Rifton, from the Wallkill River.
Police said an investigation found that on Feb. 13, Vena was attempting to cross the Wallkill River from a small island in the center of the river in Rifton using a kayak and rope when he entered the water. The kayak and personal items were recovered at the scene but attempts to locate Vena by divers were unsuccessful. Since that date the State Police Troop F Underwater Recovery Team and State Police Aviation have conducted numerous searches.  Today at approximately 9:15 a.m. Troop F Underwater Recovery Team recovered Vena’s body during a search.
State Police were assisted in the search by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, Rosendale Police Department, Rifton Fire Department, Ulster Hose Fire Company, Ulster County Emergency Management and Central Hudson Gas & Electric.
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