CALLICOON, NY — On July 29 at approximately 7:30 a.m., the North Branch Fire Department and Upper Delaware Ambulance were dispatched after a pickup truck was discovered unoccupied in the North Branch Callicoon Creek.

Upon arrival, incident command quickly requested the Rock Hill Roscoe Rockland Joint Special Operations Task Force for its Swift Water Rescue resources. After arriving on scene the Sullivan County Bureau of Fire Special Operations Coordinator, along with a member of the Joint Special Operations Task Force, quickly entered the water to search the vehicle for any occupants. It was confirmed that the vehicle was unoccupied.

The Sullivan County Search and Rescue Team was then dispatched and began a coordinated search of the upstream and downstream banks of the Callicoon Creek. A Swift Water Rescue Team from the New York State Forest Rangers also responded to assist in the operation. This incident showcased the capabilities of the Sullivan County Search and Rescue Team, utilizing several advanced technologies during the search including TAK for GPS tracking and mapping, unmanned aircraft systems, and Starlink communications to enhance coordination in the field.

Despite the extensive efforts of all responding agencies, the victim was tragically located by one of the search teams in the Callicoon Creek near Route 17B.

The Investigation determined Jesus Arroyo Ortega, age 39, of Livingston Manor, NY, was operating the pickup truck on North Branch Rd when he was involved in a vehicle collision with a utility pole sometime during the morning hours of July 29, 2026.  The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation at Liberty responded to the scene, and Arroyo Ortega was recovered, over 2.6 miles downstream of the truck, deceased.

The Sullivan County Bureau of Fire extends its sincere appreciation to all of the agencies that worked together throughout this difficult operation, including the North Branch Fire Department, Rock Hill Roscoe Rockland Joint Special Operations Task Force, Hortonville Fire Department, Callicoon Fire Department, Sullivan County Division of Public Safety, Sullivan County Bureau of EMS, Sullivan County 911, New York State Police, New York State Forest Rangers, Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, and Upper Delaware Ambulance. Units covering stand-by duty to make sure areas were covered during this incident included the Liberty Fire Department, Callicoon Center Fire Department and Roscoe-Rockland Ambulance.

Incidents like this demonstrate the professionalism, dedication, and teamwork that exist among emergency responders throughout Sullivan County. The fire bureau's thoughts and condolences are with the victim's family and loved ones during this difficult time.