Man Killed In Hunting Accident Is Buffalo Mayor’s Brother

What started out as a routine and run-of-the-milling hunting trip quickly turned tragic after an accident claimed the life of a Buffalo man with important connections.

On the evening of Wednesday, November 6, 2024, Mark Scanlon, a sergeant with the Erie County Sheriff's Office, was on a hunting trip in East Otto, New York, when he fell from a tree-mounted hunting stand and received several injuries.

According to a press release from the New York State Police, Scanlon did not return to his car for some time, and Troopers were called to do a welfare check after searching the woods in the area around Plato Road in East Otto, where they found Scanlon's body.

He was taken to Olean General Hospital in Olean, NY, for an autopsy. Investigators from the NYSP and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation noted that there are no signs of foul play in the accident that lead to Scanlon's death.

Scanlon is the brother of Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon, and the Buffalo Mayor's office released a statement regarding the death of his brother.

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. 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.
-Statement from Buffalo Mayor's Office

How Common Are Hunting Accidents In New York State?

According to data released by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 2023 was the second safest year on record for hunting accidents in New York history.

Last year, the state recorded only 12 hunting-related shooting incidents and fewer tree stand incidents.

The State DEC publishes a list of things to do to ensure safety while using a tree stand. These suggestions include inspecting your tree stand before using it, replacing worn or broken parts, and connecting to the tree before your feet leave the ground.