Officials investigate drowning in Mercer

MERCER, Pa. -- State officials continue their investigation into the drowning death of a Mercer man found in a private pond on South Springs Road in Springfield Township.
Dennis Ferry, 51, of Mercer was found dead in 4-5 feet of water around 9:30 p.m. Monday in a 15-acre pond, officials said. He had been in a rowboat. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is investigating the matter.
Bob Nestor, commission regional manager, said the death appeared to be accidental, but commission officials are investigating whether drugs or alcohol played a part in the drowning.
"It looks accidental, but somehow this gentleman ended up in water without a life jacket," Nestor said. "We're not sure how the boat tipped or how he ended up in water, but rowboats are known to be unstable."
Witnesses at the scene did not see Ferry fall into the water, but they could hear him yell for help, Nestor said. At least one person attempted to help him, but since it was raining, visibility was bad, Nestor added.
The investigation is being handled by Officer Joseph Morris, commission waterway's conservation officer for Lawrence and Mercer counties.