Authorities have identified the man found dead after a vehicle plunged into the Oswego River early Sunday morning as Joshua A. Barbour, a 36-year-old resident of Oswego.
According to the Oswego Police Department, emergency crews were dispatched around 1:50 a.m. on March 15 following reports that a vehicle had gone into the river near the end of Seneca Street. When officers arrived at the scene, they did not immediately see a vehicle in the water. However, investigators discovered signs indicating that a crash had occurred, including a damaged section of fencing, visible tire tracks, and vehicle debris.
Police Chief Phil Cady said these findings prompted an extensive search of the surrounding area. Multiple agencies joined the effort throughout the morning, including the Oswego Fire Department marine unit, the United States Coast Guard, and the New York State Police, along with drone operators assisting from above.
Around 11:30 a.m., an Oswego police officer operating a drone spotted a body along the west bank of the river near West Schuyler Street. Recovery crews were then able to reach the location and remove Barbour from the water, according to Deputy Chief Damian Waters.
Later in the evening, investigators located Barbour’s vehicle submerged in approximately 40 feet of water within the river. The vehicle was recovered from the water at around 8:20 p.m., officials said. Authorities have not yet determined what caused the crash, and the incident remains under investigation.
As news of Barbour’s passing spread through the community, family members and friends began rallying support for his loved ones. A fundraising campaign was organized to assist the family with funeral expenses. As of early Monday, the effort had raised $8,243 toward a $10,000 goal.
