Coroner: Boy found in Erie bay likely drowned

ERIE, Pa. (AP) — The Erie County Coroner says a 7-year-old boy whose body was found along the Erie shoreline of Presque Isle Bay likely drowned.

Coroner Lyell Cook tells The Associated Press the boy was reported missing about 9:20 p.m. Tuesday from Beach 2 at Presque Isle State Park. U.S. Coast Guard, state police and local fire rescue crews, and lifeguards tell the Erie Times-News the boy was last seen in the water, where they searched for him until about midnight.

The boy’s body was found about 5:45 a.m. Wednesday when the search was resuming.

Cook says the boy’s parents were at the beach, but he’s not releasing the boy’s name until other family who live in the area can be notified later Wednesday.

Cook says an autopsy is unlikely because “there’s nothing to suggest anything else” but drowning.