Man rescued from Erie Canal by Tonawanda police after falling off bridge

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A 54-year-old man was rescued by City of Tonawanda Police after he fell off a bridge and into the Erie Canal Thursday night, police said Friday.

Police were called after the man fell off of Renaissance Bridge and was struggling to stay afloat. Officer Benjamin Litz threw a life vest into the water, then removed some of his gear and jumped into the water.

The officer was able to get control of the man and assist him to the North Tonawanda shoreline. He was evaluated and then transported to ECMC, where he is expected to make a full recovery.

Police said it is unclear as to why the man fell off the bridge.

Latest Local News

Second driver sentenced in Hamburg crash that killed passenger in 2023

Niagara Falls man on parole sentenced for shooting at house during party

Attorneys representing Tops mass shooter continue trying to get federal case dismissed

Haunted attraction in Cheektowaga donating proceeds to local charity

NYSDOT proposes improvement project to portion of Milestrip Road in Hamburg

Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.