Darin Freeborough

A Warren man has died as a result of a boating accident that occurred Monday night on the Allegheny Reservoir.

Glade Water Rescue was among departments dispatched in response to the incident at approximately 10:30 p.m.

According to Warren County EMA Director Todd Lake, the incident occurred at Webb’s Ferry boat launch on the Allegheny National Forest.

Warren County Coroner Jerry Borden identified the victim on Tuesday and reported the cause of death of 52-year-old Darin Freeborough as “asphyxiation by drowning.”

He said that Freeborough was “loading the boat on the trailer and something happened and he drowned.”

Pennsylvania State Police said that the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is handling the investigation.

Freeborough was the owner of Animalistics Outdoors — which sells outdoor sporting goods and offers trapping seminars — on Warren’s east side. He was an avid trapper who created coyote trapping DVDs, and had a good-natured approach to the outdoors and teaching the outdoors. He was also known as a father, an avid softball player, and supporter of youth sports, serving as a Warren County Youth Baseball/Softball Association Little League board member and coach for years.

“We are saddened this morning to learn of the passing of the owner of Animalistics Outdoors,” according to a statement on the store’s Facebook page. “Due to this, the store will be temporarily closed until the family gets things situated.

“Please keep in mind they suffered a great loss and need time. We all lost a great guy, local legend, and someone we all looked up to. Please keep the family in your prayers today and in the future. Send healing vibes to calm nerves and condolences, we will keep everyone posted on the store’s opening date. Thank you all for your support.”