Howard teen identified as Clinton County drowning victim | News, Sports, Jobs

ASHTON PETERS/SPECIAL TO THE SUN-GAZETTE Members of the Avis Volunteer Fire Company are pictured searching the West Branch of the Susquehanna River for a missing swimmer Saturday evening.

LOCK HAVEN — An 18-year-old Howard teenager reportedly drowned over the weekend after Lock Haven firefighters and other emergency personnel were called to the West Branch of the Susquehanna River near from Lock Haven City Beach.

According to a statement from LHFD Chief Tyler Wooding, the department was alerted to the presence of two swimmers in distress around 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 22.

Units arrived on scene and found boaters attempting to rescue a 22-year-old man, without seeing the second victim.

The first victim was brought ashore where he received medical treatment and transported to UPMC Lock Haven where he was then flown to Geisinger Danville in critical condition, Wooding reported.

“After an extensive search by responders, the second person, an 18-year-old man, was found below the surface of the water but had died,” » said Wooding. The Jay Street Bridge was closed on both sides of the river during the search.

Clinton County Coroner Zach Hanna on Sunday identified the victim as Gavin Frey, 18, of Howard.

Hanna noted that no further details were available Sunday.

The Keystone Central School District is offering support to those who need it following the accident.

“Support will be available (today) at CMHS for anyone who may need support to deal with the unfortunate drowning of one of our young community members,” said a statement from the district.

Those who wish to benefit from this support can do so between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the high school using the main entrance to the office.