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Dispatchers use hunter's phone GPS to locate him after fall from tree stand

By Howard B. Owens

Dispatchers were able to use mobile phone GPS to help locate a hunter in Alexander who fell from a tree stand and suffered injuries.

The hunter, John P. Starkweather, 44, of Ellicott Street Road, Bethany, called 9-1-1 after his fall, but was unable to give a precise description of his location.

Starkweather was hunting on property at 4314 Gilhooly Road, Alexander. He was located south of the house there, south of a creek on the property.

The Sheriff's Office did not release the nature of his injuries, but Starkweather was taken by Mercy Flight to ECMC, where he is listed in serious condition.

Starkweather was apparently descending from a tree stand when a branch he had put his foot on gave way, causing him to fall about 20 feet to the ground.

The tree stand was about 30 to 35 feet off the ground.

Alexander Fire and Mercy EMS responded to the scene along with the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

The incident is being investigated by Deputy Patrick Reeves and Rick Rauscher of the NYS DEC.

Bethany Fire Department assisted at the scene.

(Initial Report)

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