Authorities have identified three boaters who died after a recreational vessel collided with a towboat on the Monongahela River, bringing a heartbreaking end to a dayslong search that involved emergency crews, divers and specialized search teams.
The Greene County Coroner’s Office identified the victims Wednesday, September 2, as Eric Rockwell, 58, of Scenery Hill; Racquelle Rockwell, 56, of Scenery Hill; and Brian Selvoski, 57, of Bentleyville. The three had been missing since Sunday night, when a 24-foot private boat collided with the towboat Megan Ames near Rices Landing.
The collision occurred at about 9 p.m. near mile marker 70, close to the Fayette County border. The private vessel capsized after striking the towboat, sending its five occupants into the river. The Megan Ames, which was pushing empty barges, was able to rescue two people from the water. One of those rescued, a woman, later died at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia. A man was also taken to a Pittsburgh-area hospital.
Rockwell, Rockwell and Selvoski remained unaccounted for, prompting a multi-day recovery operation across the river and nearby shoreline. Authorities deployed sonar equipment, dive teams, helicopters, drones and canine teams, with responders from multiple Pennsylvania counties and other agencies assisting in the effort.
Two of the missing boaters were recovered Tuesday evening after sonar helped divers locate them near the original crash site. The third body was recovered Wednesday morning after a member of the public reported seeing something floating in the river near Rices Landing. The recovery operation concluded Wednesday morning.
The Greene County Coroner’s Office said the cause and manner of death for Eric Rockwell, Racquelle Rockwell and Brian Selvoski remain pending investigation. Authorities have not released additional findings concerning the circumstances of their deaths.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is investigating the collision in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies. Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash as they work to determine exactly what led to the deadly collision.
The identification of the three missing boaters has brought an agonizing period of uncertainty to an end for their families, while opening a painful period of mourning. Eric and Racquelle Rockwell were from Scenery Hill, while Brian Selvoski was from Bentleyville. Their sudden deaths have left family members, friends and members of their communities grieving.
The Rices Landing Volunteer Fire Department expressed sympathy for the victims’ loved ones and gratitude to the numerous first responders, volunteers, rescue teams and supporting agencies involved in the search and recovery effort.
As the official investigation continues, the families of Eric Rockwell, Racquelle Rockwell and Brian Selvoski are left to mourn three lives lost in a devastating river accident. For those who knew them, the victims will be remembered not simply for the tragedy that claimed their lives, but for the relationships, memories and moments they shared with the people around them.
The Monongahela River collision remains under investigation, and further details are expected as authorities continue their work to establish the full circumstances of the crash.
