15-year-old Norwin student dies during camp outing in Somerset County
A 15-year-old Norwin High School student died following an incident during a camp outing near YMCA Deer Valley Camp in Fort Hill, Somerset County.
Nathan Kanczes, of Irwin, was attending Teen Wilderness Camp through YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer in Beaver County when he went to the outing in Fort Hill.
An official with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources told Pittsburgh's Action News 4 that it appears Kanczes fell 40 to 60 feet while he was with the group from the YMCA near the Cove Rocks at Forbes State Forest. Authorities say the teen fell Monday and was flown to a hospital. He died there later that day. Officials said the area is a common spot groups use for rappelling and rock climbing.
No other injuries were reported in the accident, which is being investigated by state police.
The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh released a statement saying, "We are devastated by this tragic loss and our hearts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."
The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh said they, as well as staff from both Deer Valley Camp and Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer, are working with authorities to investigate the accident.
"Norwin Band continues to mourn over hearing about the loss of Nathan Kanczes, a sophomore baritone member, who sadly passed away yesterday, July 15th," said an Instagram post by the Norwin High School Band. "Nathan was an enthusiastic person, and made everyone smile. Nathan was an honor student, who was also part of the Norwin Ski Club, and enjoyed tubing, riding quads and skiing."
Statement from Kevin Bolding, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh:
We are deeply saddened by the death of Nathan Kanczes, a 15-year old camper and future counselor-in-training at our Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer Teen Wilderness Camp. Our hearts and prayers are with his family, as well as with his fellow campers and the staff who were blessed to know him.
We continue to work closely with the authorities to investigate the accident and are reviewing safety protocols of the Teen Wilderness Camp.
Our primary focus remains the physical and emotional well-being of all our campers and staff. We are committed to providing them grief counseling for as long as necessary and working collectively to nurture and support them during this time of profound sadness.