Erie, Pa (WJET/WFXP)– A 22-year-old man from the Pittsburgh area is facing charges of homicide, corruption of minors and others in connection with a drowning death last July.
According to the affidavit, Derek Bold of Irwin, PA, is facing multiple charges for allegedly purchasing alcohol for 17-year-old Madison Gallagher, then stealing a one-person kayak from Sara’s Campground beach on Peninsula Drive.
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The document reports that the two launched the kayak with no paddles or personal flotation devices before it capsized, resulting in Gallagher’s death.
Bold was rescued by a local resident, but Gallagher’s body was found two days later on Presque Isle’s Beach 1.
Results from the Erie County coroner’s report show both Gallagher and Bold were under the influence of alcohol at the time, and Bold was also under the influence of THC.
Previous stories:
Body of missing kayaker found on Presque Isle
One missing, one transported after kayak tips over near Kelso Beach
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