An annual family camping trip to the Allegheny National Forest turned tragic for a South Hills family yesterday, when two brothers drowned, one trying to save the other.

State police identified the victims as Stephen P. Pitcher, 19, and Vincent E. Pitcher, 21. The two were formerly of Dormont and believed to be currently residing in Scott.

According to Warren County Coroner Jerry Borden, the victims were fishing with their father, John C. Pitcher of Dormont, and two friends at about 1 p.m. yesterday on the Allegheny Reservoir.

Stephen was atop the James Morrison Bridge, about 75 feet above the water, and decided to jump in despite his companions' warnings not to.

When he hit the water, his companions, standing on the shore, could see that he was injured, and Vincent dove in to attempt to rescue his brother. As he tried to pull Stephen back to land, the two disappeared into the reservoir.

State and local authorities searched for several hours before recovering the bodies at about 8 p.m., Mr. Borden said.

"It was a terrible accident," he said. The cause of death was drowning.

Mr. Borden said the victims' father was readying a boat for fishing under the bridge and did not witness the fall. He said the trip was an annual tradition for the father and sons.

The brothers grew up in Dormont and graduated from Keystone Oaks High School.

Funeral arrangements were incomplete last night.