An 18-year-old who tried to retrieve a drifting canoe died in Kinzua Reservoir yesterday.

David William Sarber III, of Cooperstown, Venango County, was camping with a friend near the reservoir. As they prepared to pack up their camp around 7 a.m. their canoe drifted from the shore, according to state police.

Mr. Sarber jumped into the water to try to retrieve it but could not reach the canoe; he then returned to shore and shed some clothing before re-entering the water. He succumbed to the cold water before reaching the canoe or getting back to shore.

His friend ran along the shore for several miles before finding two hunters, who gave him a ride to a place where he could call for help, state police said.

Volunteer water rescue workers located Mr. Sarber and retrieved his body later in the morning.

First Published: October 18, 2009, 4:00 a.m.