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Point Park Drowning

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WTAP News
Posted: 9:00 PM Aug 2, 2008
Last Updated: 4:52 AM Aug 4, 2008
Reporter: Courtney Rochon
Email Address: courtney.rochon@wtap.com

4 comments

A | A | A

Investigators are looking into what caused a man to drown near Point Park Saturday afternoon.

It happened shortly after 4:00.

Sergeant Nangle with the Parkersburg Police Department says 63-year-old Patrick Sutherland was aboard a stern-wheeler about to dock at Point Park when he jumped off to swim to shore.

Police say an eye witness told them the Princeton, West Virginia man swam partway and then went under.

First responders searched by foot and by boat.

Around 5:30 the Wood County Dive Team recovered the body where the witness originally saw it go under.

Sergeant Nangle says they are sending the body out for an autopsy to see what caused the man to go under.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Amy Mullins Location: Princeton, WV on Aug 6, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Pat Sutherland was my great uncle and a VERY good man who cared for all. He had spoke with my mom from his cell phone around 1:00pm and told her what an amazing time he was having. He said he was having a BLAST AND WAS ENJOYING IT SO MUCH. He jumped because he wanted to swim in a different river i know that sounds crazy but he had always loved swimming in the river and had only ever been able to swim in New River, which also has BAD under currents. And for the question asked by Billy there was no sign of his head being hit, or alcohol being involved. Uncle Pat I will ALWAYS love you and carry your memories in my heart. I miss you sooo much already! I know God chose to take you and we'll meet again one day! I LOVE YOU, and I know you'll be watching over me and taking care of me now just like you always have....I love you uncle Pat!!!!

Posted by: Candie Gilley Location: princeton wv on Aug 4, 2008 at 04:53 AM
This is story is about my great uncle and great he was in deed he loved the water and the out doors he will be missed and i dont know why or how it happened he was a good swimmer and he was used to the new river where our family has camped for years and maybe he just didnt relize the ohio river was not like it is at home

Posted by: ann wigal Location: parkersburg on Aug 3, 2008 at 08:09 PM
i think you should tell that the sternwheeler was not the the spirit which takes the people to the blennerhassett ilsand. this sternwheeler," the Spirit" was not involved in the drowning accident. thanks

Posted by: Billy Location: Belpre on Aug 3, 2008 at 02:32 PM
How sad! Was there any indication of drinking involved? Why else would someone jump off a sternwheeler before it docked? Is there any indication that he hit his head? At age 63, perhaps he shouldn't have stressed his heart...cold water emersion, etc.

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