Man drowns in Berlin Lake despite rescue attempts

BERLIN CENTER -- An Akron man drowned in Berlin Lake Sunday evening while swimming with family and friends.
Fadi M. Matar, 22, drowned about 7 p.m. at Mill Creek Campgrounds, 7400 Bedell Road, the Mahoning County Sheriff's Department said.
Matar's brother, Maher Matar, told deputies that his brother was swimming toward shore when he started splashing and then went under the water. Their friends, who had just swum across the lake, swam back to help. Boaters in the area also searched for the victim. Witnesses said Fadi Matar was about 40 feet from shore when he went under.
The sheriff's department dive team recovered Fadi Matar's body from the lake about 9:25 p.m. The Berlin Volunteer Fire Department assisted.
A coroner's report is pending.