Body found in Conewago Creek identified as woman swept downstream
Conewago Creek flows under Koser Road in Conewago Township. Laura Olweiler drowned after she was swept downstream during a flood on Monday, July 23, 2018. (Brett Sholtis/WITF News)
The body found in Conewago Creek has been identified as 19-year-old Laura Olweiler, said Lancaster County Coroner Stephen Diamantoni.
Her cause of death was freshwater drowning, Diamantoni said, and her death has been ruled accidental.
Olweiler attempted to cross the creek with a 22-year-old relative at around 9pm Monday when both women were swept downstream due to flooding conditions. The older woman was able to grab onto a log and hold on until a neighbor heard her cries for help and helped her out of the water. Olweiler was unable to be located.
A crew of more than 200 people from search and rescue teams, fire departments and police searched for the missing woman over the past few days. Heavy rain and dangerous flooding conditions complicated water searches, however, which were postponed multiple times for the safety of those involved. Crews also looked for Olweiler using helicopters and drones, as well as on foot.
The person who located the body Thursday night was not part of the large search team. Her body was recovered about three-fourths of a mile from the area near Koser Road where she was swept away.
Olweiler is one of two central Pennsylvanians killed in the storm this week. In Adams County, 18-year-old Alejandro Morales drowned after his vehicle became stranded by high water in the Biglerville area.
State officials say another person drowned while trying to escape their vehicle in Allegheny County.
Sometimes, your mornings are just too busy to catch the news beyond a headline or two. Don’t worry. The Morning Agenda has got your back. Each weekday morning, host Tim Lambert will keep you informed, amused, enlightened and up-to-date on what’s happening in central Pennsylvania and the rest of this great commonwealth.
