Body of 12-year-old boy recovered from Monongahela River in Donora

DONORA, Pa. — The body of a 12-year-old boy was recovered from the Monongahela River in Donora.

Click here for photos from the scene.

A Washington County 911 official said the search began just before 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Officials said a group of friends called 911 at that time. They were swimming in the river and noticed that the boy had disappeared.

Just before 6 p.m., members of the Murrysville Medic One Dive Team said the 12-year-old boy was recovered after several hours of searching.

Washington County Coroner Timothy Warco identified him as Rontae Lester of Donora.

Lester was found on a riverbed just before 3:30 p.m., officials said.

The Donora Borough Police Department is investigating.

Darrick Gerano, the administrative director of Murrysville Medic One Dive Team, said the current was moving very fast making the search harder.

“Our biggest challenge today was the river current and the amount of debris that was floating down the river. There was a lot of logs and sticks and floating garbage that we had to deal with,” Gerano said. “It’s a very sad situation and I’m glad the family got closure.”

Dennis Hawkins Jr. is heartbroken. He said Lester and his kids are cousins.

“It’s a big loss for the community, for their family,” Hawkins Jr. said. “I would say everyone, just wrap around the family, the community, that hopefully this tragedy doesn’t happen again.”

Ringgold School District Superintendent Randall Skrinjorich released a statement, saying:

“It is with great sadness that we inform you of the tragic loss of one of our students who passed away as the result of an accident earlier today. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we are not sharing the student’s name at this time. 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. Grief counselors and support staff will be available at our schools beginning Monday, May 19, 2025, and we encourage anyone who needs support to reach out. We also ask that families take time to check in with their children and create space for conversation, support, and healing. 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,”

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