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2 Amish Teens Drown While Swimming In Lawrence Co.

WILMINGTON TOWNSHIP (KDKA) – Two Amish teenagers drowned while swimming in Lawrence County.

According to officials at the scene, the teens were swimming in Little Neshannock Creek in Wilmington Township Sunday afternoon.

The victims have been identified as John Mast, 15, of Mercer, and Seth Byler, 16, of New Wilmington.

Trooper Joseph Vascetti of the New Castle Barracks, told KDKA TV's Ralph Iannotti that four boys - two sets of Amish brothers – went wading in the creek, which is located on private property.

"They thought they were in shallow water. They walked in a little further, and fell into a sinkhole, between 8 and 10-feet deep," Vascetti said

Mast's brother attempted a rescue, but he was unsuccessful. It took two hours to recover the bodies.

Neither boy was wearing a life jacket.

They were pronounced dead at the scene, and there was no indication of foul play.

Autopsies will be conducted later today.

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