On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, a heartbreaking incident unfolded at the Split Rock (Rock Dome) swimming hole on State Route 55 in the town of Wawarsing, NY. Charief Marquise Spratley, a 14‐year‐old from Ellenville, was enjoying an afternoon swim with friends when the situation took a tragic turn. While swimming in the natural waters of this popular yet unsupervised spot, Charief became submerged and did not resurface. Despite the desperate efforts of his friends to rescue him and their immediate call to 911, emergency responders were unable to save his life.
A Series of Urgent Actions
At approximately 6:51 p.m., troopers from the New York State Police in Ellenville rushed to the scene following a distress call. The initial search of the water by state troopers proved unsuccessful in locating the teen. Recognizing the critical need for specialized assistance, the Ulster Hose Company 5 Dive Team was deployed. They later recovered Charief’s body from the water after an extensive and challenging search. Emergency medical personnel arrived promptly, providing lifesaving measures; however, despite their best efforts, Charief was pronounced dead at the scene.
Coordinated Emergency Response Efforts
This incident saw a remarkable level of coordination among various emergency services. Alongside the New York State Police and the Ulster Hose Company 5 Dive Team, support came from the Ellenville First Aid & Rescue Squad, the Napanoch Fire Department, the City of Kingston Fire Department Rope and Rescue Team, and the NYC Department of Environmental Police. Their combined efforts, stretching from the initial call through the recovery operation, underscore the significance of inter-agency collaboration during critical incidents such as this.
The Natural Setting: Split Rock (Rock Dome)
Renowned for its clear, turquoise waters and dramatic rock formations, Split Rock (Rock Dome) is a celebrated natural swimming spot in the Hudson Valley. Its scenic beauty attracts locals and visitors who seek respite in its refreshing waters. However, the swimming hole is entirely unsupervised with no lifeguard on duty, and its natural environment presents several hazards, including variable depths, strong currents, and slippery rocky surfaces. Past incidents have highlighted these dangers, emphasizing the need for vigilance when using such natural water bodies.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The New York State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic drowning. Preliminary findings suggest that the incident was accidental, with no evidence of foul play at this time. The loss of Charief has profoundly impacted the local community, which is now mourning a young life filled with promise. In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to assist his family with funeral expenses and other associated costs.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks of unsupervised natural swimming areas. It calls for increased awareness and enhanced safety measures to protect community members and visitors who frequent these beautiful yet potentially hazardous environments.
