Michael Barney dies in fatal Fayette County kayaking accident

Michael Barney dies in fatal Fayette County kayaking accident

Fatal Fayette County kayaking accident death of Michael Barney – Obituary

Michael Barney, aged 43 and a resident of State College, Pennsylvania, lost his life in a tragic kayaking accident at Ohiopyle State Park in Fayette County on Friday night.

According to Fayette County Coroner Dr. Bob Baker, emergency crews—including two deputies—were summoned just after 7 p.m. to the Youghiogheny River, where Barney’s group had been navigating the lower section of the waterway. Despite being an experienced paddler, Barney became trapped in a rapid, and first responders, along with his fellow kayakers, DCNR personnel, and Fayette EMS, made immediate efforts to rescue him .

Once the rescue teams reached the location, they pronounced Barney deceased at the scene . The coroner’s office confirmed his death was caused by drowning and officially ruled the incident an accident .

Dr. Baker expressed gratitude to the Ohiopyle Fire Department for their aid during the rescue and asked the community to remember Barney’s friends and family during this difficult time .

No additional information about the circumstances has been released at this time.