UPDATE | Community recalls trio who died after kayaking Sunday

LISBON — A 44-year-old man, his 10-year-old son and a 14-year-old family friend all died after kayaking Sunday in a creek in Willow Grove Park.

Police Chief Michael Abraham said the two boys, Garrett Vadino of Leetonia, and Carson Bonar, 14, no hometown available, were rinsing their shoes at the creek’s spillway when the current swept the younger boy under.

The teenager went into the water, trying to save his friend and also got pulled under. The father of the younger boy, Todd C. Vadino of Leetonia, jumped into the creek to try to rescue both boys.

Police were called about 6 p.m. Sunday and pulled the older Vadino and Carson from the creek. Vadino was deceased. Officers performed CPR on Carson who was then taken to Salem Community Hospital and flown to Akron Children’s Hospital where he died.

Authorities found Garrett Vadino’s body about 2:40 a.m. today.

Abraham said the creek is a popular site for kayakers, and the water flows fast at the spillway.

“With all the rain, the water was just that much faster and that much stronger,” he said.

Todd Vadino was a two-year teacher at Salem High School where he taught machine trades to juniors and seniors. Superintendent Joe Shivers said.

""He was outstanding, enthusiastic, one of the most enthusiastic teachers I've every worked with," Shivers said.

Vadino was also generous. The superintendent recalled a student who couldn't afford work boots. Vadino bought boots for him.

Vadino also scoured garage and yard sales, buying tools for students, selling them at cost to the students. That allowed them to enter the workforce with complete tool kits.

"He was optimistic, optimistic about what students could achieve." Shivers said. "That was grounded in a vision of what he could do to help students achieve."

Vadino's positivity infected students as well as other staff, the superintendent said.

"He's going to be greatly missed," he said.

Counselors will be at the school until 2 p.m. today and at calling hours, Shiver said.

Garrett and his twin sister, Miranda, had just finished fourth-grade at Leetonia Elementary School. Counselors will be available at the school district's kindergarten through 12th grade campus from noon to 3 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Superintendent Rob Mehno said Todd Vadino was an active parent in the schools.

"He was very energetic, always positive," the superintendent said.

Garrett was one of four Vadino children. Besides his twin sister, Blaine will be a ninth-grader and Helena an eighth-grader this fall.

"They're a great family," Mehno said. "I'm still shocked."

Roger Kitzmiller, principal at West Branch Middle School, said Carson Bonar was a great student. Carson just finished eighth grade at the school.

"At the end of the year, he received the Damascus Ruritans Award for Community Service," Kitzmiller said.

Carson participated in communty service projects both with his Boy Scout troop and with his church.

Carson also was one of five nominees this year for the school's Good Student Award.

"It's a combination of character and good grades," the principal said.

The boy was nominated by his teachers.

Carson routinely made honor roll or merit roll for his good grades.

"He was very well-respected by his peers," Kitzmiller said.