Buffalo man killed in hunting accident in East Otto

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) – A Buffalo man has died in a hunting accident in East Otto, according to New York State Police.

Troopers responded to Plato Road in East Otto to check on the welfare of a hunter. Police said an investigation revealed that 54-year-old Mark P. Scanlon went hunting along Plato Road and did not return to his vehicle. Scanlon was found dead in a wooded area after an apparent fall from a portable tree stand. There were no signs of foul play and his body was taken to Olean General Hospital for an autopsy.

Mark Scanlon was the brother of acting Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon.

Acting Mayor Scanlon released the following statement on Thursday:

“On Wednesday evening, November 6, 2024, my family experienced the sudden and tragic loss of my brother Mark, who passed away doing one of the things he enjoyed most: hunting. Mark was a member of the Erie County Sheriff’s Department and a dear 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 the entire family, I kindly ask for our privacy to be respected during this very difficult time.”