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Paraglider, 44, Killed In Taconic State Park Accident ID'd

This story has been updated.

Varick Stringham, 44

Varick Stringham, 44

Photo Credit: Linkedin

A paraglider who crashed into Brace Mountain in North East, Dutchess around 2 p.m. on Tuesday and died from his injuries has been identified as Varick Stringham, 44, of Claverack in Columbia County, said New York State Park Police.

Stringham, known as "Rick," was paragliding near Brace Mountain in Taconic State Park when he encountered turbulence and fell into a heavily wooded area, said Randy Simons, public information officer for New York State Parks.

It took firefighters more than five hours to recover Stringham's body from the top of the mountain, said Millerton Fire Company Chief Keith Roger.

"There was not a place for the state police helicopter to land so rescuers used a series of ropes, harnesses, and ATVs to bring his body down the mountain," Roger said.

In addition to the Millerton Fire Company, rescue help was provided by the New York State Park Police, Taconic State Park employees, Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, Northeast Fire Department, New York State Police, Norfolk Connecticut Fire Department, Connecticut State Environmental Conservation Police, Lakeville Hose Company, New York State Forest Rangers, Northern Dutchess Paramedics and the Salisbury Connecticut Fire Department assisted in the search and rescue. 

Roger said the area is a favorite for paragliders on weekends and good-weather days. 

Brace Mountain is part of the southern Taconic Mountains, that stands 2,311-feet at its main summit in Dutchess County, the highest point in the county.

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