United States Coast Guard, U.S. Government
End of Watch: Saturday, March 24, 2001
Age: 25
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Hypothermia
Date of Incident: March 23, 2001
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Guardsman Scott Chism and Guardsman Christopher Ferreby succumbed to hypothermia after being thrown into the water while on law enforcement patrol in Lake Ontario, near the mouth of the Niagara River, in New York state.
During their patrol, a wave swamped their 22-foot inflatable boat and washed all four occupants overboard. After they failed to check-in, a search was started and the four were located at approximately 0030 hours. All four were wearing dry suits and life jackets. They were transported to a local hospital where Guardsman Ferreby and Guardsman Chism succumbed to the exposure they received while in the water. The other guardsman were treated for hypothermia.
Coast Guardsman Chism was an active member of the United States Coast Guard at the time of his death and had previously served with the United States Army. He is survived by his wife and two children.