MOUNT PLEASANT TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A tragic incident unfolded Wednesday afternoon at Acme Lake in Westmoreland County, where a kayaker was found dead after emergency crews launched a lengthy recovery operation. The victim has been identified as 67-year-old David A. Dirado of Hempfield Township.
According to Westmoreland County dispatchers, first responders were called to the scene at approximately 1:05 p.m. after reports came in of a possible water emergency. Witnesses indicated that a kayaker had fallen into the water and had not resurfaced. Crews immediately initiated a water rescue operation, deploying specialized equipment and divers to search the lake.
The rescue mission extended into the evening hours, with multiple agencies working side by side in an effort to locate the missing man. At around 5:05 p.m., Westmoreland County Coroner Tim Carson confirmed that Dirado had been recovered from the water and pronounced dead.
Preliminary reports suggest that Dirado may have fallen out of his kayak and into the water, though the exact circumstances remain unclear. The coroner’s office noted that both the cause and manner of death are still pending, awaiting further investigation and possibly autopsy results.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s Waterways Conservation Officers and the Westmoreland County Park Police assisted in the response, supporting local emergency crews during the search and recovery. Their joint efforts helped ensure that the scene was managed with care and professionalism.
The tragic loss of Dirado has resonated deeply in Hempfield Township and beyond. Friends and family describe him as a kind, active man who enjoyed the outdoors. His sudden passing has left loved ones and community members grieving while also serving as a reminder of the risks associated with recreational water activities.
Authorities are urging all kayakers and boaters to take safety precautions when out on the water, including wearing personal flotation devices at all times. They stressed that even experienced kayakers can encounter unexpected dangers, from shifting weather to water conditions that make it difficult to recover from a fall.
As investigators continue to piece together what happened at Acme Lake, officials are asking the public to keep the Dirado family in their thoughts during this difficult time. Additional details regarding the cause of death are expected to be released once the coroner’s office completes its review.
