Donora child drowns in Monongahela River
Courtesy of Charleroi Fire Department
A 12-year-old boy died Saturday while swimming with friends in the Monongahela River.
Divers found Rontae Lester, of Donora, on the riverbed at about 3:30 p.m., according to a report from Washington County Coroner Timothy Warco.
According to Warco, one of Lester’s friends called 911 at 10:51 a.m. after he disappeared in the water.
Lester was a student in the Ringgold School District. Superintendent Randall Skrinjorich issued a statement Saturday calling his death a “tragic loss.”
“This loss deeply affects our school community. Our thoughts are with the student’s family, friends and all who knew and cared for the student. We recognize that this news may be difficult to process and may bring up a wide range of emotions for students, staff and families,” Skrinjorich wrote in the statement.
The district will have grief counselors available at its schools beginning Monday.
“During this time of sorrow, we ask you to join us in keeping the student’s family in your thoughts. Our strength as a community lies in how we care for one another, especially in moments of grief,” reads the statement.
Several agencies responded to the scene, including the Murrysville Medic One and Greensburg Fire Department dive teams.
According to Warco, Lester was declared dead at 4:45 p.m. Saturday at the Monongahela River near 98 E. First St. in Donora. His cause and manner of death are pending an autopsy and further investigation.
Donora police are investigating the incident. Also responding were Carroll Township Police Department, Monongahela Police Department, and fire departments from Donora, Collinsburg, Westmoreland City, Charleroi, Monongahela, Forward Township, Elizabeth and Port Vue.