Colgate student dead after kayak accident in Warrensburg

WARRENSBURG/HAMILTON, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) -- A Colgate student was found dead by New York State Police two days after a kayak accident sparked a search of the Schroon River. State Police responded to the town of Warrensburg at approximately 8:04 pm on Sunday, May 10 for a report of an overturned kayak. Further investigation found that the kayak had been occupied by 21-year-old Sohail Nabi of Yonkers. Nabi was a student at Colgate University in Hamilton, and according to Colgate, was scheduled to graduate with his class on Saturday, May 17. Reports from State Police say that Nabi had been kayaking with a small group of people in the Schroon River when the group lost sight of him. When the group found his capsized kayak, 911 was called, and a search was initiated by State Police. Police found Nabi's body at approximately 5:55 pm on Monday, May 11, approximately 22 hours after the kayak was discovered, about 100 feet away from the kayak. An autopsy is pending, and the investigation into the cause of death is ongoing. Colgate University says it will gather for a candlelight vigil at the university's memorial chapel on Wednesday, May 13. The university has said that it will also acknowledge Nabi during their baccalaureate services on Saturday. "In the days ahead, we will need to hold together two truths," Colgate president Brian Casey said in a statement dated Monday, May 11. "We are grieving the loss of a beloved student. And we are also preparing to honor the accomplishments of our seniors, whose years at Colgate should be marked with pride, gratitude, and joy. These are not competing obligations. To honor Sohail’s life is also to honor the class of which he was a part, the friendships he formed here, and the community that now mourns him." The baccalaureate service on Saturday is scheduled for 3:30 pm. Families can watch the ceremony online or at the Academic Quad Tent, Lathrop Hall, Lawrence Hall or Olin Hall at the Love Auditorium.