Teen falls to his death hiking, leaving Westfield mourning yet again

WESTFIELD — Local residents are mourning the sudden death of a teenager for the second time this month.

Ezra Kennedy, 17, fell 50 feet to his death at Kaaterskill Falls in the Catskills on Wednesday morning while hiking with a group of relatives and friends, according to New York State Police. Police said the group made it to the lower falls when Kennedy lost his footing on wet rocks and fell to the rocks below.

Maureen Mazzarese, Director of Counseling for the Westfield Public Schools said in a statement “it is with great sadness that we have received news of the sudden death of Ezra Kennedy, who would have entered his senior year this September at Westfield High School. Ezra was part of the fabric of our school community – not only as a student but also as a dedicated member of the school orchestra and championship Ultimate Frisbee Club. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family. We are ready to support the family, our staff and students through these difficult days.”

Police do not suspect foul play in the incident.

Earlier in July, 17-year-old Jeffrey Hoens, died while diving in the Shark River Inlet in Belmar. Hoens was a senior at Saint Peter's Prep in Jersey City.

Kaaterskill Falls is seen below in a video produced by WPDH Radio, a Townsquare Media station.: