A Warren business owner died late Monday night on the Allegheny Reservoir.
Darin Freeborough, 52, of Warren, died in an incident about 11:15 p.m. at the Webbs Ferry Boat Launch, said Eric Levis, press secretary for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
No other details were available on Tuesday afternoon, as investigators are still looking into the circumstances surrounding Freeborough’ death.
At 10:28 p.m. Monday, members of the Corydon Township Volunteer Fire Department and the McKean County Dive Team were dispatched to assist with what was reported to be a boating accident, with a boat possibly capsizing at Webbs Ferry.
Freeborough was the owner of Animalistics Outdoors in Warren, a store which sells outdoor sporting equipment and offers seminars on trapping.
According to a the store’s Facebook page, it will be temporary closed due to the death. The Tuesday morning posting included this in its message about the difficult time for Freeborough’s family: “Please keep in mind they suffered a great loss and need time. We all lost a great guy, local legend ,and someone we all looked up to. Please keep the family in your prayers today and in the future. Send healing vibes to calm nerves and condolences, we will keep everyone posted on the store’s opening date.”
While Levis doesn’t know yet what the circumstances were surrounding Monday’s incident, he offered a little advice for anyone venturing to the water at this time of year. “Generally speaking, for people going out, especially this time of year, it’s absolutely critical that they wear a life jacket. The water is extremely cold.”