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Body of Pennsylvania man found in lake at Darien theme park

By Howard B. Owens

A Pennsylvania man who was reported missing after attending a concert at Darien Lake Theme Park on Friday was found dead early Sunday morning in Sunshine Lake by scuba divers investigating his disappearance.

The death of William "Billy" Sutherland, 33, of Bradford, Pa., is not considered suspicious at this time, but the investigation continues.

Sutherland attended the Toby Keith and Trace Adkins concert Friday, but became separated from his friends. The group spent several hours looking for him, but eventually returned home.

When Sutherland did not return to Bradford Saturday, his family and friends drove back to Darien Lake to look for him and contacted the Genesee County Sheriff's Office to report him missing.

After interviews with friends and family, the Sheriff's Office concentrated its search in the parking area, especially in the area of Sunshine Lake, which is located within the parking area.

There is no word on how long the search took. His body was found by divers at 1:30 a.m..

The Sheriff's Office was assisted by the security staff of Darien Lake, the Darien Volunteer Fire Department, the Alden Fire Department's water rescue team, and the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management.

Carol Magoffin

That guys poor family... Wouldn't you make sure you took the people home that you brought somewhere? I'm guessing that drinking was involved

Sep 8, 2009, 4:24pm Permalink

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