Coroner says swimmer drowned
The tentative cause of death of a 26-year-old Canonsburg man who was swept over the waterfall in Ohiopyle State Park was asphyxiation due to drowning, pending the outcome of toxicology tests, according to the Fayette County coroner’s office. The body of Esker H. Cottrill III was recovered Wednesday from the Youghiogheny River in the park five days after authorities said he went swimming in high water and was carried over the waterfall.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht determined the cause of death in an autopsy he performed in Pittsburgh.
Fayette County Deputy Coroner Marisa Springer said the cause of death is tentative, pending the result of toxicology tests.
Authorities said the river was about 7 feet deep, nearly 5 feet deeper than normal on June 6 when Cottrill went swimming.
He was at the park with friends that day.