Syracuse, N.Y. — In a heartbreaking turn of events, brothers Dean and Dale Hull tragically lost their lives on July 16 while boating on Oneida Lake, a pastime that brought them both joy since childhood.
The brothers, aged 64 and 65, were discovered by an off-duty deputy in Three Mile Bay around 2 p.m. that day, floating in shallow water just a short distance from their boat. Their boat, which was found undamaged and not capsized, was left drifting nearby.
Family members and friends expressed disbelief and sorrow, as the brothers were strong swimmers with significant experience on the water. They often boated spur-of-the-moment, enjoying spontaneous outings over the years.
Kathy Saumier, Dale’s girlfriend for 18 years, relayed details shared by deputies, noting that the brothers weren’t wearing life jackets at the time of their drowning. Although their cause of death was later determined to be accidental drowning by the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office, the family remains uncertain about the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Reflecting on their close bond, Lisa Hull, Dean’s wife, fondly remarked, “They’ve been attached at the hip since they were kids.” Growing up in Nedrow, New York, the brothers spent countless summers enjoying the St. Lawrence River, which became not just a favorite spot but a second home for them.
Their family cottage on Wellesley Island, affectionately named Harbor Lights, became a haven for laughter, swimming, fishing, and boating, solidifying a lifetime love for the water.
Dean was known for his ability to take older boats and breathe new life into them, often fixing them up for a season before they were replaced. Dale, on the other hand, owned a 1988 Sea Ray sleeper boat that he and Saumier would take out nearly every summer weekend, creating cherished memories on the water.
Beyond their love for boating, the brothers shared interests in collecting rocks and minerals. Dean, in particular, had a passion for science and science fiction, reveling in adventures from the Star Wars universe, which he loved to share with his son, Ian.
Dale’s artistic flair manifested in his passion for nature photography, capturing stunning sunsets, lakes, and lighthouses, with several of his images published in a local paper.
The sentimentality of both brothers was evident in their lives; they collected antiques and were often reluctant to part with meaningful items. Memories of their time together were cherished, including shared experiences such as the recent trip Lisa and Dean took to see Jurassic Park, where she later discovered ticket stubs tucked away in his dresser.
Family dynamics were strong, with Dean being a devoted father to two children and Dale lovingly referred to as a
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