Swimmer’s Body Recovered From Silver Lake

The body of a swimmer was pulled from Silver Lake in Pittsfield Monday evening after a long search effort which consisted of multiple agencies. The Pittsfield Fire Department responded to the lake after two young fishermen had called 911 when they lost sight of a swimmer who was crying out for help.

The fire departments initial response consisted of several engines and additional fire and rescue vehicles. According to a media release issued by Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Garner, upon arrival they found two young men fishing off an area near where Silver Lake Boulevard meets Fourth Street. The fishermen said that they had heard a swimmer in distress. The swimmer was described as an older man in his 50s or 60s. The swimmer had just gone past the youths when he disappeared around the corner from their fishing spot.

The fishermen then heard the swimmer yelling for help. They ran around the immediate area but could not find the swimmer and called 911. Pittsfield Fire immediately put 3 rescue swimmers and watercraft in the water at the vicinity where the boys heard the calls for help.

Ultimately the search and rescue mission shifted to a recovery operation. The swimmer was discovered deceased and removed from the water around 9:00 pm. The incident was turned over to Pittsfield Police Department. Contact PD for more information.

The following agencies responded and assisted throughout the duration:

Pittsfield Police Department
Action Ambulance
Berkshire County Sheriff’s Department and their Dive Team
Stockbridge Fire Department
Lanesboro Fire Department
Hinsdale Fire Department
MA Department of Fire Services
MA Environmental Police
MA State Police Dive Team

According to Deputy Chief Garner, the department was thankful to all the agencies for their response and assistance throughout this incident. A shout out in the media release was also given to Berkshire Eagle reporter Ben Garver and off-duty PFD Gabe Prendergast for use of their drones in aiding the search efforts.