Fisherman Falls To His Death While Scouting Fishing Spot

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (AP) — Police in northern New York say a man checking out a potential fishing spot slipped and fell to his death.

Authorities say 70-year-old Mark Hatlee, of Troy, was in Lake Placid Tuesday to scout spots for fly fishing. Authorities say he accidentally fell from the path he was on, falling headfirst about 12 feet onto rocks below.

Responding authorities found him unresponsive at the scene but were able to briefly revive him.

He was transported to an area hospital where he died in the emergency room.

The Essex County Coroner says Hatlee died of blunt force trauma and ruled his death an accident after an autopsy.