Kayaker drowns in Yough River at Ohiopyle State Park - CBS Pittsburgh
By
Patrick Damp
Web Producer, CBS Pittsburgh
Patrick Damp is a web producer for CBS Pittsburgh. A Pittsburgh native who grew up watching KDKA-TV, Patrick studied journalism at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. After half a decade in sports communication, Patrick decided to pursue his dream of working in journalism in his hometown and joined the CBS Pittsburgh team in 2019.
/ CBS Pittsburgh
Kayaker drowns in Yough River
A kayaker is dead after drowning in the Yough River at Ohiopyle State Park on Friday night.
According to the Fayette County Coroner, Dr. Bob Baker, he, along with two deputies, was called to the scene just after 7 p.m.
The victim was ultimately identified as 43-year-old Michael Barney of State College and was pronounced dead at the scene.
"Barney, an experienced boater, along with friends, were kayaking in the lower Yough River when he got stuck in a rapid," Dr. Baker said in a post on his Facebook page. "His friends, DCNR, and Fayette EMS worked tirelessly to save his life."
An investigation from first responders and the coroner's office determined that the cause of Barney's death was drowning, and the manner was accidental.
No further details about the incident were made available.
Patrick Damp is a web producer for CBS Pittsburgh. A Pittsburgh native who grew up watching KDKA-TV, Patrick studied journalism at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. After half a decade in sports communication, Patrick decided to pursue his dream of working in journalism in his hometown and joined the CBS Pittsburgh team in 2019.
