NEW YORK – A Connecticut firefighter died Monday while climbing a rock in New York, New York State Police said.
56-year-old Stephen M. Buddha III nearly reached the 200-foot mark of his ascent in Trapps Trailhead from Mohonk Mountain Preserve in Gardiner when he fell, reported el Connecticut Post.
Authorities said that Buda was not wearing any climbing or safety gear during the activity.
Buda worked as a pump engineer for the Bridgeport Fire Department for eight years. The department said rock climbing was Buddha’s favorite hobby.
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