On Friday, officials from Fayette County reported that a man had passed away while paddling a kayak on the Youghiogheny River situated within Ohiopyle State Park.
An announcement was made on Facebook by the Fayette County Coroner Bob Baker, stating that Michael Barney, who was 43 years old and from State College, Pennsylvania, passed away on Friday evening.
Ohiopyle State Park was the location where the coroner’s office was dispatched at approximately 7:20 p.m. to investigate the reported drowning. It was determined that the victim had passed away at the site.
Baker stated in the post that he made on social media that the man, who was 43 years old, and his companions were having a kayaking trip on the lower Youghiogheny River when the man became trapped in a rapid. Barney, who was described as a “experienced boater,” was saved by first responders who worked “tirelessly” to pull him out of the water.
According to the statement on Facebook, his death was caused by drowning, and the manner in which he passed away was accidental.
“Please keep his friends and family in your thoughts and prayers,” Baker stated in the post that was made on Facebook with the request. “A special thank you to the Ohiopyle Fire Department for all your help as well.”
