A 21-year-old Carthage man lost his life Friday afternoon after falling into Chaumont Bay on Lake Ontario, according to the New York State Police.
Ryan James Cloe, born July 6, 2004, fell from a small aluminum boat near the village of Chaumont in Jefferson County around 2:50 p.m. on May 15, 2026.
He was the sole occupant of the vessel at the time. Troopers responded after receiving a report of a man overboard, and an extensive search was launched involving local fire departments and the LifeNet helicopter. Ryan was found dead in the water later that evening.
He was not wearing a life jacket, according to Trooper Jennifer Jiron, a spokesperson for State Police.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact State Police at 315-366-6000, referencing case number NY260061975.
Ryan grew up in Carthage, where he graduated from Carthage High School. He had been working as a contractor for Larry Walseman and had built a life centered on the things he loved most: the outdoors, his community, and the people close to him.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he spent his free time dirt biking and four-wheeling. He had a deep love for lacrosse and football, and those who knew him described a young man who lived with energy and enthusiasm.
He is survived by his parents, William C. and Natasha Cloe, and Mary J. Cloe and her fiancé, Jeff Shorkey.
He was engaged to Aubrey Stewart. He is also survived by his siblings Chase W. Cloe, Gavin H. Cloe, Devin Grove, Lauren Swarthout, Gavin Payne, Peyton Shorkey, Cameran Shorkey, and Mason Shorkey, along with his grandparents Tim and Karen Dowling, one aunt, and three uncles.
He was predeceased by his grandparents, Bill and Bobbi Cloe, and Mary and Butch LaParr.
Services will be held at Lundy Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc., located at 500 State Street in Carthage.
Calling hours are set for Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by a chapel service at 6:00 p.m.
A graveside service will take place at a later date at Sunnyside Cemetery in Great Bend, where Ryan will be laid to rest beside his grandfather.
In a reflection of who Ryan was, the family has asked attendees to wear hunting camo, muck boots, work clothes, jeans, Cboys merchandise, and hats.
The family also shared a message in his honor, drawing from his favorite personalities and their mottos, asking people to live life to the fullest, inspired by the spirit of the Cboys, Danny Duncan, and Cleetus McFarland.
Donations in Ryan’s memory may be made to the Carthage Rod and Gun Club at 4500 Cold Springs Park Road, Carthage, NY 13619.
Ryan Cloe was 21 years old. He was a son, a brother, a fiancé, and a friend who, by all accounts, lived his short life exactly as he wanted to. His family and community are mourning a young man gone far too soon.
