OHIOPYLE, Pa. -- A 20-year-old man caught in rapids while swimming with friends at Ohiopyle State Park was swept away Tuesday in the fierce current, over the falls to his death.
River regulars described the water as vicious, saying it was strong enough to whisk George Willhoft away from his friends down to a buoy line where he held on as an off-duty firefighter tossed a life ring.
The current proved too strong, dragging the Willhoft over the falls.
"He started out in a place where he was allowed to be wading; however, at this water level, it is more dangerous to be out in the water," John Hallas, the park's manager, told WTAE Channel 4 Action News.
Hallas said swimmers are no match for the 60-degree water.
"This is a natural environment. It's not a water park. There aren't lifeguards stationed. You don't have approved swimming areas. It's a natural river environment and there are hazards associated with that," he said.
Last Wednesday's storms that flooded parts of the Pittsburgh area have more than tripled the water flow at the state park in Fayette County.
"We were here, I think, about two weeks ago before the storms picked up and it was low, but it has picked up big time," said Jeff Tikhonoff, a park visitor.
A kayaker pulled Willhoft out of the water about 200 yards down river and started cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but he was pronounced dead on arrival at Uniontown Hospital.
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