Buffalo mayor's brother dies in hunting accident

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Acting Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon said the local man killed in a Cattaraugus County hunting accident this week was his older brother.

State Police responded Wednesday night to a call for a welfare check on a hunter who had not returned to his vehicle near Plato Road in East Otto.

Their investigation determined that 54-year-old Mark P. Scanlon fell from a portable tree stand and died. He was a Sergeant with the Erie County Sheriff's Office.

Acting Mayor Scanlon released a statement mourning his family's loss.

"In the evening on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, my family suffered a sudden and tragic loss of my brother, Mark, who passed away while doing one of the things he enjoyed most, hunting," Scanlon said. "Mark was a member of the Erie County Sheriff’s Department and a cherished husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend, who was loved by those who knew him. On behalf of my sister-in-law Amanda and entire family, I kindly ask for respect of our privacy during this very difficult time."

Police said there were no signs of foul play. The body was taken to Olean General Hospital for an autopsy.

Sheriff John Garcia said Scanlon worked in his office's Jail Management Division.

"Sergeant Scanlon was a civil servant that the people of Erie County can be proud of," Garcia said in a statement. "My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues on this tragic day. We have made grief counselors available to Erie County Sheriff’s Office personnel during this difficult time."