Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Drowning victim’s name released
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission identified Bradford A. Gregory, 66, of West Caln
WEST CALN >> A Coatesville man has been identified as the drowning victim from Thursday’s incident on Chambers Lake at Hibernia Park.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission identified Bradford A. Gregory, 66, of West Caln, as the reported drowning victim.
He was allegedly on his boat when he fell into the lake at about 11:30 a.m.
Search & Rescue Dogs of Pennsylvania assisted with recovery efforts Friday.
On Thursday, boats from the Chester County Park Rangers, Friendship Fire Company DivingRescue Unit, and Wagontown Fire Company were dispatched and searched for the missing man in the area where the man was last seen, but after an hour a request was made for a dive team as the search became a recovery.
Mike Florian of West Brandywine was one of a number of fishermen onshore near the public boat ramp who saw events unfold.
“He was in a 8-foot plastic formed boat,” Florian said as he watched rescuers search for the missing fisherman. “He couldn’t put the boat in right, he didn’t shove off smoothly. He was 30 minutes on shore and 15 minutes on the water trying to engage his motor.”
Downingtown and Lionville fire company boats also responded to assist with the recovery.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is leading the investigation. According to them, the alleged victim is presumed dead and search efforts are continuing.