A tragic accident occurred this past Friday in Ohiopyle State Park as a man lost his life while kayaking on the Youghiogheny River. Michael Barney, a 43-year-old resident of State College, Pennsylvania, was pronounced dead after getting entrapped in a rapid on the lower Youghiogheny, as confirmed by the Fayette County Coroner's Office.
The incident was reported shortly before 7:20 p.m., with first responders arriving on the scene to attempt to save Barney. However, their efforts were in vain. The Fayette County Coroner, Dr. Bob Baker, announced the sad outcome in a statement detailed by WTAE, stating Barney had been kayaking with friends when he became stuck.
Baker further detailed on social media that Barney was an experienced boater and that first responders worked tirelessly to help him. CBS News Pittsburgh quoted the coroner as saying, "Please keep his friends and family in your thoughts and prayers," acknowledging the difficult time for those close to the victim. Moreover, he extended "a special thank you to the Ohiopyle Fire Department for all your help as well."
While the community grapples with the loss, Dr. Baker affirmed through a Facebook post covered by CBS News Pittsburgh that the drowning was accidental.
