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Teenager Dies After Accidental Fall During YMCA Camping Trip In Somerset Co.

FORT HILL, Pa. (KDKA/AP) -- State police are investigating the death of a 15-year-old boy at a YMCA Wilderness Camp in Somerset County.

Nathan Kanczes was attending the camp through Fombell-based YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer in Beaver County.

7-16 NATHAN KANCZES, VICTIM dressed
(Photo Credit: KDKA)

Kanczes reportedly fell on some tall rocks, near Cove Rocks, which is part of Forbes State Forest.

According to investigators, he lost his footing and fell at least 50 feet.

The boy was flown to the hospital, but later died from his injuries.

The community is already seeing an outpouring of support on social media.

They say Kanczes was a smart man with a bright future ahead of him, but he was lost doing something he enjoys -- spending time outside.

The wilderness camp has been canceled for the rest of the week, and counseling is being offered to campers and staff.

No other injuries were reported in the accident.

The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh released this statement on Tuesday from President and CEO Kevin Bolding:

"We are deeply saddened by the death of Nathan Kanczes, a 15-year old camper and future counselor-in-training at our Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer Teen Wilderness Camp. Our hearts and prayers are with his family, as well as with his fellow campers and the staff who were blessed to know him.

"We continue to work closely with the authorities to investigate the accident and are reviewing safety protocols of the Teen Wilderness Camp.

"Our primary focus remains the physical and emotional well-being of all our campers and staff. We are committed to providing them grief counseling for as long as necessary and working collectively to nurture and support them during this time of profound sadness."

(TM and © Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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