U.S. Coast Guard · United States 
Scott James Chism
2001
Scott Chism served the U.S. Coast Guard for 4 years. Scott served in the Afghanistan and the Global War on Terrorism.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Location: New York
Incident Date: Friday, March 23, 2001
Guardsman Scott Chism and Guardsman Christopher Ferreby succumbed to hypothermia after being thrown into the water while on law enforcement patrol in Lake Ontario, near the mouth of the Niagara River, in New York state.
During their patrol, a wave swamped their 22-foot inflatable boat and washed all four occupants overboard. After they failed to check-in, a search was started and the four were located at approximately 0030 hours. All four were wearing dry suits and life jackets. They were transported to a local hospital where Guardsman Ferreby and Guardsman Chism succumbed to the exposure they received while in the water. The other guardsman were treated for hypothermia.
Coast Guardsman Chism was an active member of the United States Coast Guard at the time of his death and had previously served with the United States Army.
Incident Date: Friday, March 23, 2001
Guardsman Scott Chism and Guardsman Christopher Ferreby succumbed to hypothermia after being thrown into the water while on law enforcement patrol in Lake Ontario, near the mouth of the Niagara River, in New York state.
During their patrol, a wave swamped their 22-foot inflatable boat and washed all four occupants overboard. After they failed to check-in, a search was started and the four were located at approximately 0030 hours. All four were wearing dry suits and life jackets. They were transported to a local hospital where Guardsman Ferreby and Guardsman Chism succumbed to the exposure they received while in the water. The other guardsman were treated for hypothermia.
Coast Guardsman Chism was an active member of the United States Coast Guard at the time of his death and had previously served with the United States Army.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two children.
Service Record
U.S. Coast Guard
1997 – 2001
Conflicts
Afghanistan
Global War on Terrorism
Also Served
United States Coast Guard
Petty Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnj1p8rf3p1tn15974jd
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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