From Debby Hideher: There was an apparent foot entrapment at Showers below the Foustwell put in on the Stonycreek near Johnstown, PA. The Fire Chief said kids were tubing and it is unclear whether the 14 year old who was entrapped survived or not. It seems unlikely. He did have a PFD on. He was on a trip with 14 other kids, looked like Coal Tubin’ tubes. Authorities were called at about 11:30. The put in for floating through Showers is at the Ball Field in Hollsopple, about 1/3-1/2 mile above Showers.
Officials: One dead after being pulled from Stonycreek River in Conemaugh Township
by WJAC, Johnsyown, PA
Thu, July 13th 2023
2nd UPDATE
Somerset Co., PA (WJAC) — Officials in Somerset County have confirmed that one person has died after being pulled from the Stonycreek River in Conemaugh Township Thursday afternoon. Authorities say first responders were dispatched around 11:30 a.m. after receiving a report that an individual had become "trapped" in the river. According to the manager of the Somerset County Swift Water Rescue Team, multiple people were reportedly floating down the river in innertubes when the victim allegedly stepped into the water and became stuck.
Officials say the male was wearing a life jacket but reportedly became trapped in the rapids. "The kid did everything right. The problem is he put his feet down on the ground. That's what actually got stuck."
Authorities say crews were able to rescue the other 14 individuals who were part of the group and transported them to safety. "They thought that they were going for fun and adventure, but it can turn deadly. Err on the side of safety," said water rescue team manager Scott Grahn.
Officials say line systems, rescue boats and other equipment were used to recover the victim from an area of about 10 inches of water. "They did have jackets on. It's just a freak thing that happened. You got to be prepared."
The Somerset County coroner's office is investigating the death and the identity and age of the victim have not yet been released.
UPDATE
Somerset County coroner Cullen Swank confirmed to 6 News that his office was called to the scene of a reported water rescue in Conemaugh Township Thursday afternoon. 911 officials say multiple departments from Cambria and Somerset counties were dispatched around 11:30 a.m. for a report of an individual who was trapped in the Stonycreek River. No further details have been released at this time but Swank did confirm that there was one fatality.
ORIGINAL
911 officials in Somerset County say multiple crews are on scene of a reported water rescue in Conemaugh Township. Authorities say officials received a call, around 11:30 a.m., for an individual who was reportedly trapped in the Stonycreek River. Details are limited at this time but 6 News has a crew heading to the scene.
