`Farrell boy drowns during outing at Shenango Lake`

Rescue teams found the body of a six-year-old Farrell boy about 10:30 p.m. Sunday, five hours after he was believed drowned when a wave swept him out of his father’s arms in a non-swimming area near the state Route 846 access area.

Mercer County Coroner J. Bradley McGonigle ruled the death accidental, pronouncing Ronell Ferguson, of 1143 Hamilton Ave., Farrell, dead at the scene at 10:40 p.m.

South Pymatuning police and fire personnel arrived at the scene, across the road from Chestnut Run Swim Beach, after a possible drowning was reported at 5:37 p.m., police said.

The boy’s father, Patrick Ferguson, told police he had been standing in chest-high water about 80 to 100 feet from shore with his two sons, Ronell and 8-year-old Patrick Jr., in his arms when a wake caused him to lose balance and a hold on the boys.

They were not wearing life jackets, McGonigle said.

People in a passing boat were able to pull Patrick Jr. to safety and Ferguson continued looking for Ronell with help from others nearby.

Divers from Jamestown and Crawford County and a search dog were called to assist. Also at the scene were personnel from the Army Corps of Engineers, the state Fish and Boat Commission and Pymatuning Township Fire Department, police said.

This is the second drowning at Shenango River Lake this summer. Keith J. Franks, 19, of Hermitage, died May 25 after jumping from a railroad trestle near the Mahaney boat launch.

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Updated August 17, 1998
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