Staff Report / July 20, 2026
CANANDAIGUA — A targeted emergency operation on Canandaigua Lake came to a somber close on Monday morning after search teams located and recovered the body of a swimmer who vanished overnight.
The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as 51-year-old Patrick Colacino of Newark. The emergency response originally began Sunday evening at approximately 8:41 p.m., near 4108 State Route 364, after Colacino jumped from a boat containing several other passengers to take a swim. Witnesses reported seeing Colacino swimming at the surface, but lost sight of him after roughly five minutes, prompting an immediate call to emergency dispatchers.
First responders launched a multi-agency search deploying drone technology and marine vessels equipped with specialized sonar. Crews worked the area until breaking off operations after 10:30 p.m. late Sunday night, resuming their efforts early Monday at 5:00 a.m.
The update on the recovery and ongoing investigation includes the following details released by authorities:
- Location of Recovery: At approximately 6:00 a.m. Monday, sonar operators detected Colacino roughly 125 yards off the eastern shoreline in about 20 feet of water.
- Specialized Rescue Operations: Members of the Ontario County Underwater Search and Rescue Team retrieved the victim and transported his body by boat to Deep Run Park in the Town of Gorham.
- Coroner & Autopsy Details: Ontario County Coroner Thomas Cheney is aiding the investigation. An autopsy will be performed at Geneva General Hospital, though officials noted that preliminary evidence aligns with an accidental drowning.
- Extensive Multi-Agency Support: The overnight search and morning recovery involved the Ontario County Sheriff’s Marine Unit, Office of Emergency Management, New York State Police, Canandaigua Fire and Ambulance, and the Cheshire Fire Department.
