JORDAN PATTERSON
Staff Writer
Another life was cut short last month. On Oct. 15. Jacob A. Schuk, age 18, of Fredonia was found dead near the embankment of Canadaway Creek on lower Spoden Road, off of Route 60 in the town of Pomfret.
Schuk lived his entire life in Fredonia and graduated from Fredonia High School this past June. Schuk was born Nov. 19, 1996. He is survived by his parents, John E. and Paula (Frazier) Schuk of Fredonia.
There is still no definitive answer on what the cause of death was. Initial reports stated that Schuk had fallen 25 feet onto the bank of the creek. New York State Police were unable to comment on the investigation because it is ongoing.
Near the Fredonia campus, a few miles north of where Schuk’s body was found, is a student hotspot of activity. Whether or not this tragic incident will affect the access to the creek near the campus remains unknown. University Police were also unable to comment on another department’s investigation.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time that someone has been injured near Canadaway Creek. In September, emergency services were called to 41 Canadaway St. after a report that an individual had fallen into the creek. Shawn Labadie was found with a head injury on the embankment and was removed with a Stokes basket. He was then tended to by the Fredonia Police Department, and STAR Flight transported him to ECMC in Buffalo for further evaluation.
Jeremy Eckstrom, a junior computer science major, stated, “I’ve only been to the creek a few times, but it seems rather safe.”
Junior economics and political science double major Kelsey Gerholdt said, “The creek can be a really good place to unwind and have fun with friends, but like any other outdoor area, one needs to be safe when spending time there.”
Morgan Bennett, a sophomore environmental science major, said, “I completely agree with Kelsey. Although the creek is a beautiful and safe place, in some situations it can be dangerous. As an avid hiker, I have been in many sketchy situations myself, but the outdoors is a setting where you need [to] carry caution with you at all times.”
He also added “It’s unsettling and sad to hear about this, no matter where it happens and who it happens to. I’m not sure if it will affect the creek’s status since it didn’t happen up this way, and I don’t know if that should be the biggest concern right now.”
New York State Police continue the investigation to determine whether it was accidental or if foul play was involved.