Woman's Body Found After Falling Into Conneaut Lake
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Pa. (KDKA) -- Search and rescue crews spent several hours looking for a woman who went missing after falling into Conneaut Lake early Sunday evening.
On Monday, that search came to a tragic ending.
The body of 37-year-old Kourtney Deese, of Erie, was recovered around midnight, according to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
The body was found and recovered near Conneaut Lake's Morning Shore area.
Crews searched the lake for several hours after investigators said at around 5 p.m. on Sunday, the woman fell off the back of a speedboat and disappeared into the water.
No other injuries were reported.
"This lake is total unlimited horsepower. You can go down here on a jet boat or anything you got," said John Betera, who lives on the lake.
Betera said he could barely count the number of boats on the water this holiday weekend and noticed many going too fast.
"This is a very fast lake and you have to keep your eyes open for it because an accident can happen in a second," said Betera.
Water conservation officers told KDKA the coronavirus pandemic has brought more people than ever onto the water.
Officials said if you plan on going out:
- Each person on the boat should have a flotation device.
- Kids up to age 12 must wear one at all times.
- Make sure somebody knows where you're going.
- If you plan on going jet-skiing or doing any other towing activity, make sure to have an observer to watch out.
- And by no means drive a boat under the influence.
Timothy Fuller, a waterways conservation officer, said, "Our goal is to see everyone out there being safe, having fun, enjoying themselves because that's what it's all about."
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has a water safety course you can take online.
Click here for the course.