Elk County Coroner Michelle A. Muccio is releasing the following information in regards to a death that occurred on Sunday, August 16, 2026 in Johnsonburg, Elk County.

Dominic Petruzzi, 43, of Coudersport, PA, was found deceased near a boat launch on the Ridgway-Johnsonburg Road in Johnsonburg, PA. Mr. Petruzzi was pronounced dead at the scene by Elk County Coroner Michelle Muccio-Krise at 9:10 AM. 

Mr. Petruzzi was planning to go fishing when he suffered a seizure and was found in a shallow part of the river. This death has been ruled a freshwater drowning precipitated by a seizure. This death has been ruled accidental, and there are no suspicious circumstances.

In addition to the Elk County Coroner’s Office, assisting at the scene was Johnsonburg Police Dept., St. Marys Ambulance, and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.