Niagara Scenic Parkway, NY (October 8, 2025) – Jason Beckman, 52, of North Tonawanda, NY, was killed Monday morning, 6th October, 2025, when his Jeep Gladiator exited the Niagara Scenic Parkway and entered the Niagara River near the Bird Overlook.
New York State Park Police, Niagara Falls Police, State Police, and Niagara Falls Fire Department responded to the incident. A coordinated search effort included drone assets, a State Park Police rescue vessel, aviation support, underwater dive teams, and a shoreline foot search.
At approximately 10:49 a.m., the Park Police Marine Unit located Beckman’s vehicle submerged in the river about 50 feet offshore. Recovery teams confirmed the body of Beckman inside the Jeep. No other occupants were reported missing.
Beckman was pronounced deceased and transported to Erie County Medical Center for an autopsy. Authorities have stated that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash remains ongoing.
