July 4th Drowning in Salmon River in Pulaski, New York

A fishing trip for a father and son ended tragically this Independence Day.

At 11:31 Friday morning, July 4, 2014, 37-year old William Hibbard from Pulaski, New York was fishing with his 6-year old son in the Salmon River when they apparently lost their footing and went into the water.

New York State Police say the father and son floated downstream for about one hundred yards and under the Route 11 bridge when witnesses say William pushed his son towards the shore near other fisherman.  One of them helped the 6-year old onto the shore.  William Hibbard was then seen with his head under the water, not swimming.

Two fishermen dove into the water and brought the father to shore where they performed CPR.

He was brought to Oswego Hospital where he was pronounced dead less than an hour later.

The child was treated by paramedics and, according to troopers, had been protected by his father as they floated downstream and therefore did not appear to be physically harmed.

Troopers were assisted by the Oswego County Sheriff's Office, Ringold Fire Company (Pulaski Fire Department) and NOVAC Ambulance.