KINGSTON – Christopher Bamba, a Kingston High School class of 2019 graduate and a member of the varsity basketball team who helped lead the team to the State Final Four, drowned in the Rondout Creek in High Falls late Tuesday afternoon.
The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office reports Bamba, 18, was swimming with friends in the creek in the vicinity of 25 Bruceville Road in the Town of Marbletown around 5:40 p.m.
He became distressed and despite rescue efforts from several people, he was unable to reach shore.
Divers from Ulster Hose and the sheriff’s in-water rescue team recovered him and after unsuccessful attempts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators said preliminary indications suggest the death was accidental.
Kingston High School officials said Bamba was a leader in the Brothers at Bard Program, and also served as a coach for the Unified Basketball Team.
“He had a huge heart, bright smile, and infectious personality. You couldn’t help but be happy in his presence,” a post on the high school Facebook page said.
NEWS STORY PROVIDED BY: Mid Hudson News -www.midhudsonnews.com