News Flash Home
The original item was published from 11/4/2024 12:28:59 PM to 12/1/2024 12:00:02 AM.

News Flash

EPD Press Release

Posted on: November 4, 2024

[ARCHIVED] Accidental Drowning

From: Capt. Chris Zelko Contact Number: (607) 737-5623

Date: November 3rd, 2024

Subject: Accidental Drowning

On November 2nd, 2024, at 7:52 P.M., the Elmira Police Department responded to the Clarion Inn at 760 E. Water St. for an unresponsive individual in the pool. First responding Officers located the individual unresponsive at the bottom of the pool. Officers were able to remove the individual from the pool and began rendering life saving measures. Within seconds of this, the Elmira Fire Department arrived on scene and took over life saving efforts and were later assisted by Erway Ambulance. The individual was transported to the Arnot Ogden Medical Center where life saving measures continued. Unfortunately, this individual was pronounced deceased at 8:55 P.M. The deceased individual has been identified as Claudell Betts, a 42 year old male from Elmira.

On scene investigation indicates that this was an accidental drowning and no foul play is suspected. The Elmira Police Department would like to thank the Elmira Fire Department and Erway Ambulance, as well as Clarion Inn staff, for their assistance on scene. The Elmira Police Department offers their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Betts.

Respectfully,

Capt. Chris Zelko

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in EPD Press Release

Elmira Downtown Business District

Posted on: January 13, 2026

Welfare Fraud Arrest

Posted on: September 18, 2025

CPW and Menacing Arrest

Posted on: September 18, 2025