A man is dead after deputies say he tried to rescue two people following a jet ski accident in Ontario County Saturday night.

What You Need To Know


  • Christopher Barber, 38, jumped in a private pond near County Road 4 

  • The sheriff's office says he died from a medical condition and did not drown

  • Raymond Foster, 36, and an 8-year-old boy had been thrown from the jet ski.

  • Forster may face charges

The Ontario County Sheriff's Office says Christopher Barber, 38, jumped in a private pond near County Road 4 in Hopewell after seeing the accident. Deputies say Raymond Foster, 36, and an 8-year-old boy had been thrown from the jet ski.

When rescue crews arrived at the scene, they found Barber unresponsive. Authorities believe he died from a medical event that happened when he entered the water and not by drowning.

Both Foster and the 8-year-old were taken to Strong Memorial Hospital and expected to fully recover.

While the investigation is in its early stages, deputies say Foster could likely face criminal charges.

"He should've had a life vest on both himself and the young boy, but also, he put that young boy in harm's way. That's why we're looking at this and we'll consult with the district attorney's office," said Sheriff Kevin Henderson.