Body Found in Monongahela River in West Elizabeth

Investigation underway after man's body pulled from river near tug boat

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Authorities are investigating after a man's body was discovered in the Monongahela River in West Elizabeth, Pennsylvania on Sunday afternoon. The victim was later identified as 56-year-old Donald Wilson, who was believed to have been working on a boat in the area when the incident occurred.

Why it matters

The discovery of a body in the Monongahela River raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the man's death and whether any safety protocols were in place at the dock where he was working. Residents in the area are seeking answers as to how this tragic incident could have happened.

The details

The body was found behind a tug boat called the "Kimberly Johnson" that is owned by John's Towing Service in Beaver County. Allegheny County police were called in to assist Elizabeth Township police with the investigation. Authorities believe Wilson was working on the boat when he fell into the river, though the exact details are still unclear. The Elizabeth Borough's Swift Water Rescue Team recovered Wilson's body around 3:30 pm on Sunday.

  • The body was discovered on Sunday afternoon.
  • Wilson's body was recovered around 3:30 pm on Sunday.

The players

Donald Wilson

A 56-year-old man whose body was found in the Monongahela River.

John's Towing Service

The company that owns the tug boat called the "Kimberly Johnson" where Wilson's body was found.

Allegheny County Police

The police department that was called in to assist with the investigation.

Elizabeth Borough's Swift Water Rescue Team

The team that recovered Wilson's body from the river.

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What they’re saying

“I heard it this afternoon, about 3:30, a loud horn coming from the tug boat. Within minutes, first responders were down here, and they said they found a body behind the tugboat.”

— Unnamed neighbor (KDKA-TV)

“You would think that he had some sort of a life vest, or somebody would have seen him. [Are] there any safety precautions or stuff like that? It's sad, you know, for the family. You never want to see anybody end up in a situation like that.”

— Quenton Martinez, Resident (KDKA-TV)

What’s next

A full investigation is pending the results of the medical examiner's report, according to Allegheny County police.

The takeaway

This tragic incident raises concerns about workplace safety protocols and the need for proper safety equipment and supervision when working near bodies of water. The community is seeking answers to ensure a similar accident does not happen again.