Non-Witness Narrative by (do not publish name) on 2007-06-25 (okay to publish): A group of young highschoolers were using a rope swing to launch into a prohibited [for swimming] section of the Susquehanna at the confluence of the Lackawanna River at Scovell’s Island. 16 year old Patrick Wolak was described as a weak swimmer. After swinging into the Susquehanna, he apparently bobbled briefly before disappearing under water. This was around 6pm. This section of the Susquehanna is fast-moving, and particularly so due to recent thunderstorms in the area. Unfortunately, the river becomes quite turbid during these post-storm periods, which hampered the rescue/recovery. A massive thunderstorm ended efforts for the evening after entering the region some 4 hours after Patrick’s disappearance. The next afternoon, his body was located around 100 feet downstream at a depth of 10 feet. A local diver called the underwater features of this area “interesting”. TEXT ATTACHMENTS http://www.wnep.com/Global/story.asp?s=6634725 The search for a missing swimmer in Luzerne County is over. Divers recovered the body of 16-year-old Patrick Wolak in the Susquehanna River Saturday. More than 70 rescuers searched the river for Wolak. “He’s my best friend in high school so I just want to be here for him,” explained Anthony Spadoni of Exeter. The river search took place near the Hicks Creek pumping station just off Exeter Avenue. Rescuers believe the high school freshman drowned accidentally while swimming with friends near an island Friday. Rescue crews were able to bring one of the teens to safety. The search was not just personal for family and friends, but even for Exeter’s fire chief. “He’s been out my house many of times. He used to hang out with my daughter. I know the boy well,” related Chief Richard McNeil. Exeter’s fire chief said divers faced two big obstacles while searching the section of the Susquehanna, a strong under-tow and poor visibility caused by a recent thunderstorm. The strong currents are why fire officials said the area has been off limits to swimmers. “Stay out of this part of the river. It claimed eight lives in my 27 years and it’s very dangerous,” stressed McNeil. Meanwhile, Wolak’s friend will try to remember his personality and not the way he died. “He’s a good guy. He has a lot of friends. He’s just nice to hang around with,” said Spadoni.