Paterson man drowns in Greenwood Lake

BY NATHAN MAYBERG
GREENWOOD LAKE, N.Y. — A 40-year-old New Jersey man drowned in Greenwood Lake on Monday after reportedly jumping off an open bow motor boat for a swim shortly before noon.

The body of Ronald Huffin, of Paterson, was recovered from the bottom of the lake about five hours after he had disappeared in the water. A West Milford Police department diver found the body about 30-feet deep in the lake, Greenwood Lake Police Department Chief John Hansen said. State Police divers also assisted.

Huffin was on the boat with his girlfriend, Arline Wallace, and Dale Gervald of Wayne. Gervald was the owner of the boat, according to police.

At around noon, Huffin leapt from the boat and swam to the back of the boat, police said. At that point, Huffin had “some sort of issue,” Hansen said. He suspects Huffin could have suffered a health or physical related issue before drowning. Gervald dove into the water to help but couldn't find him, according to Huffin.

Hansen said he believed Gervald was familiar with the waters but unsure if his companions were.

There was some alcohol on the boat, but Hansen said he couldn't speculate as to whether that was a factor until the toxicology tests are completed.

Hansen said the drowning was believed to be the first on the New York side of Greenwood Lake in at least three years. Drownings are rare in the lake, which can be 50 to 60 feet deep in certain sections, he said.

The Greenwood Lake Police Department were joined in their response by the West Milford Police Department, New York State Police, Greenwood Lake Fire Department and Monroe Fire Department.