(WNY News Now) – A 63-year-old swimmer from Cortland, Ohio, was found deceased in Chautauqua Lake following a two-day search by multiple agencies after being reported missing on June 21, 2025.
On June 21, 2025, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting a swimmer submerged in Chautauqua Lake, north of the Chautauqua Institution. The Chautauqua County Water Emergency Team (CCWET) and the CCSO marine division promptly responded, initiating an extensive search for the missing swimmer, identified as Peter Pizzulo, 63, of Cortland, Ohio.
Despite efforts on the day of the report, the search was suspended at nightfall due to darkness. Operations resumed the following day, June 22, with support from the New York State Police Underwater Recovery Team (NYSP URT), which employed side scan sonar technology to aid in the search.
At approximately 12:00 PM on June 22, the NYSP URT located the submerged body of Peter Pizzulo. Divers from CCWET then recovered the body from the lake. Additional assistance during the search and recovery operation was provided by the North Lake Fire Department, Bemus Point Fire Department, and Lakewood Fire Department.
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