CANISTEO, NY – Two individuals from Hornell are facing multiple charges, including child endangerment, following a dramatic river rescue of a 5-year-old child on Saturday afternoon in Steuben County.
On June 7, 2025, at approximately 2:44 p.m., New York State Police from SP Painted Post were dispatched to the Canisteo River near County Route 119 after a 911 call reported a child had gone underwater.
According to the police report, Tessa L. Hamilton, 32, and Matthew R. Martin, 35, were tubing with the 5-year-old when the river’s current pulled them into a partially submerged tree. The child, who was not wearing a proper flotation device, fell into the water. An individual from a separate group of kayakers was able to rescue the child.
Upon arrival, Troopers and Canisteo Police Department officers located the child and several adults on a small island in the middle of the river. Due to hazardous conditions and strong currents, the island was not easily accessible. Emergency personnel used rescue ropes to cross the river and provide initial medical aid.
The North Hornell Water Rescue Team’s initial attempts to reach the group were unsuccessful. The Bath Volunteer Fire Department was then called to the scene and successfully deployed a rescue boat, extracting the entire group from the island.
The 5-year-old was evaluated by EMS on scene, transported to St. James Hospital for further treatment, and was later released.
A subsequent investigation by the New York State Police revealed that an active stay-away Order of Protection was in place against Matthew R. Martin, prohibiting him from having any contact with both Tessa Hamilton and the 5-year-old child.
As a result of the investigation, both adults were charged.
Tessa L. Hamilton was charged with:
- Reckless Endangerment 2nd (A Misdemeanor)
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A Misdemeanor)
Hamilton was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Canisteo Town Court on July 3, 2025.
Matthew R. Martin was charged with:
- Reckless Endangerment 2nd (A Misdemeanor)
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A Misdemeanor)
- Two Counts of Criminal Contempt 2nd (A Misdemeanor) for violating the active Order of Protection.
Martin was processed at SP Hornell and remanded to the Steuben County Jail for CAP Arraignment.
The New York State Police, who were assisted by the Canisteo Police Department, North Hornell and Bath Fire Departments, and Steuben County EMS, have stated this is an ongoing investigation.
