Drowning at Cataract Lake

 A teenager died last night in Cunot after trying to help two girls.  19 year old Brian Kevin McAninch jumped into the water after hearing two girls call for help.  He and a friend rescued the girls, but McAninch was found dead just 60 feet from the bank in 7 feet of water.  Divers recovered his body at 12:36 Monday morning Owen County Sheriff's Department received the 911 call at about 10:45 P-M

Brian McAninch entered the water to help two girls who called for help while trying to swim from Croy Crest addition to Countryside Estates. The girls, ages 12 and 13, were believed to have been trying to run away. 

McAninch was stargazing with friend David Brownfield late Sunday night when they heard the two girls crying for help from the water, officers said.

"No one was acquainted with each other," said Indiana Conservation officer Michael Portteus.

Brownfield was successful in bringing them to shore. Meanwhile, McAninch attempted to tow in a duffel bag the girls had been swimming with. Portteus said the bag was filled with clothes.

At some point during the rescue, Brownfield told police, he heard McAninch yell, "Oh, it hurts," before he slipped below the surface

McAninch was a graduate of Cloverdale High School. 

Brian McAninch is survived by his father, his mother, Helen, and younger sister, Amanda.

His father said funeral arrangements are pending

McAninch's death marks the third drowning in the area during the past seven days.

Poland VFD, Conservation Officers, Owen County Sheriff's Dept, & Cloverdale VFD, Responded

Web Posted @8:30am 06/25/01