UPDATE TO PRIOR PRESS RELEASE
On June 20, 2026, the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office continued its investigation into a
missing person at Java Lake in the Town of Java. Multiple agencies were on scene for nearly
twelve [12] hours searching the lake, and also searching difficult terrain surrounding the lake.
At approximately 6:00pm, SONAR technology identified an object under water, which ultimately
was recovered and found to be the missing person. Robert D. Fuller, age 46, of Java Lake, NY,
was pronounced deceased at the scene by a Wyoming County Coroner.
The Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation into this incident, however current evidence suggests
this was an accidental drowning. Assisting with the search yesterday were:
Wyoming County Office of Emergency Management, North Java Fire Department, Arcade Fire
Department, NYS Forrest Rangers, New York State Police, Niagara County Search and Rescue,
Alden Fire Department, Livingston County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, Batavia Fire
Department, Amigo Search and Rescue Dogs, and Wyoming County Coroner’s Office.
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Previously:
The Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation into a missing person
following a navigation complaint on Java Lake in the Town of Java. The 911 Center received a
call at 6:50pm on June 19, 2026, reporting a capsized boat. Two occupants were reported to
have gone into the water, and only one was accounted for. As of 11:00pm, following extensive
search efforts, the missing person was still unaccounted for. Agencies assisting at the scene
were:
New York State Police, New York State Police Aviation Unit, North Java Fire Department,
Wyoming County Office of Emergency Management, Mercy Flight, and Arcade Fire
Department.
Search efforts are ongoing, and members of the community are asked to avoid the area to allow
first responders to do their work. The identity of the missing will remain withheld at this time,
and further information will be released as it becomes available.