Further Tests Necessary to Determine Gold Panner’s Death

A Ford City man who went missing Sunday was pronounced dead early Monday morning.

According to Armstrong County Coroner Brian Myers, the body of 33-year-old Jeremy Potocnak was found approximately 400 yards from Tub Mill Run near Ross Avenue in Manor Township Monday morning.

Potocnak was panning for gold Sunday evening when he didn’t return home, according to family members. They went looking for Potocnak, but ultimately found him face down on the edge of the creek.

Potocnak was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Myers.

An autopsy performed to determine the cause and manner of death was “inconclusive” according to Myers. Further toxicology and histological tests will be conducted, but there is no suspicion of foul play.

Emergency crews were also searching the area of Rosston Circle when the search was called off last Sunday night.

Manor Township and Ford City fire fighters, as well as Ford City Ambulance emergency medical responders assisted Myers and Pennsylvania State Police troopers from the Kittanning barracks in East Franklin Township during the incident.

Troopers will continue to investigate.

Potocnak’s body was released to Welch Funeral Home in Ford City for burial and memorial preparations.

According to online fundraising pages and police reports, Potocnak was seriously injured after wrecking his motorcycle in July.

Pennsylvania State Police said Potocnak was traveling on Glade Run Road in North Buffalo Township when he lost control and was thrown from his motorcycle.

The crash caused Potocnak to sustain a traumatic brain injury and be hospitalized at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital while in critical condition.

Potocnak had received nearly $1,000 in donations to facilitate recovery and also support from a local fraternal organization.