Fisherman's body found in Connoquenessing Creek

Police and divers in Lawrence County today removed the body of a Shaler man from the Connoquenessing Creek in Ellwood City.

John Latulippe, 38, a senior estimator for retail consultant iDL Worldwide in Butler, reportedly slipped and fell into Slippery Rock Creek while fishing about 9 a.m. on April 30. He was identified by his gloves, fishing boxes, a wedding band and his clothing, according to Russell Noga, Lawrence County coroner.

Latulippe was found about 11 miles from the site on Slippery Rock Creek where he is believed to have fallen into the water. A resident along the creek phoned 911 shortly before 1 p.m. to report a body was floating in the river, a Lawrence County emergency dispatcher said.

Latulippe`s wife was notified of his death by state police.

At the time Latulippe went missing, water levels were two feet higher than normal and currents were rapid from a series of heavy rains, park officials said.

The Slippery Rock Creek flows into Connoquenessing Creek and then the Beaver River. Searchers used kayaks, dogs and helicopters to scour the water and shoreline for Latulippe`s body