Pennsylvania

Man Drowns After Canoe Capsizes in Pa. Creek

Authorities say a canoe capsized on a northwestern Pennsylvania creek after it hit a fallen tree, killing one of the two occupants.

State police in Erie County said the two men had traveled about 10 miles down Elk Creek on Monday night when they ran into trouble entering a tunnel under railroad tracks in Girard.

Police said the canoe hit a fallen tree near the entrance of the tube and overturned, trapping 33-year-old Matthew Kaliszewski between the craft and the tree.

Officials said the high water and swift current prevented his companion from helping him. The other man reached shore and walked about a mile to get help.

Coroner Lyell Cook pronounced Kaliszewski dead at the scene at about 2 a.m. Tuesday and ruled his death an accidental drowning.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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