Rhode Island Man Dies in Massachusetts Paragliding Accident

Authorities have released the name of the Rhode Island man who died in a paragliding accident in Massachusetts over the weekend.

Police say 49-year-old Aldaro Etcheverry, of Smithfield, R.I., plunged into the Merrimack River in Newburyport about 50 yards from shore on Saturday afternoon.

The Coast Guard pulled him from the 38-degree water after about 20 minutes, but the he never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police tells The Daily News that two of Etcheverry’s friends went into the water to save him, but retreated because of the cold. They were treated for exposure and released.

Police say the men had been paragliding for most of the afternoon and were completing one last loop when witnesses noticed the victim’s paraglider was having mechanical issues.