FRENCH WOODS – On July 4, at approximately 9:40 p.m., New York State Police at Deposit were dispatched by the Delaware County 911 Center to the area of Ridge Runner Road in Hancock for a report of an accident with fireworks.   

A preliminary investigation at the scene indicates that two males were on a pontoon boat while on Somerset Lake setting off fireworks when it appears that numerous fireworks ignited at the same time causing an explosion.

State Police reported that one male was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and the other male, 34-year-old Chad Meyer of Long Eddy, succumbed to his injuries on the scene.   

The New York State Police thanks Hancock Fire Department, Hancock EMS, and the Delaware County for their assistance on scene.