GRAND LAKE STREAM, Maine – A 62-year-old retired firefighter from Quincy, Mass., died Monday night while fishing at his favorite fishing spot of 25 years on Grand Lake Stream.

Chester Aniolowski and a fishing buddy, Joe Verlicco, also a retired firefighter from Quincy, were fishing on the water’s edge near the Grand Lake Stream Fish Hatchery when Mr. Aniolowski fell into the deep water, began staggering and gasping for air, and floated across the stream, according to Maine Warden Service Game Warden Brad Richard.

Mr. Verlicco said he jumped into the water, crossed the stream and tried to keep Mr. Aniolowski’s head above water until rescue personnel could arrive.

The Maine Warden Service was notified at approximately 7 p.m. Monday. Also at the scene were Grand Lake Stream Fire and Rescue and Indian Township Fire and Rescue, which transported the victim to Mays Funeral Home in Calais, according to MWS Sgt. David Craven.

It is unknown whether Mr. Aniolowski died because of a medical issue or by accidental drowning. The Maine Medical Examiner’s Office will review his body to determine a cause of death.

Mr. Aniolowski and Mr. Verlicco traveled to that exact location near the Grand Lake Stream Fish Hatchery to fish every year since 1982, Warden Richard said.

“They came every last week of May,” he said. “It was one of their favorite places to fish.”

Mr. Aniolowski’s family has been notified.