Keystone Lake Armstrong County Death
A man died today after he fell through ice on Keystone Lake while ice fishing, state police at the Kittanning barracks said.
James J. Whitlinger, 56, of Avonmore had been drilling holes in the ice about ½-mile south of the Atwood boat launch on Keystone Lake in Cowanshannock, Armstrong County, about 7:50 a.m. when he fell through, state police said. Other fishermen reported Mr. Whitlinger missing when they saw the holes he had drilled and his gear, but could not see him.
Mr. Whitlinger was pronounced dead at the scene by Armstrong county coroner Brian Myers, the release said. He died from asphyxiation due to drowning and his death was ruled as accidental.
An autopsy will not be performed, according to a news release from the coroner's office.