Man last seen in Allegheny River near Gilpin remains missing, police say

State police provided no updates Monday on the disappearance of a Punxsutawney man who was last seen swimming in the Allegheny River in Gilpin over the weekend.

Nathan “Nate” Lauer, 38, was last seen around 7:30 a.m. Saturday, according to one witness’ statement to police.

That witness, identified only by last name in a news release issued by state police, told investigators that he, Lauer and another man drank through the night and into the early-morning hours at a camp along Upper Allegheny Drive.

The witness told investigators that he saw Lauer in the river around 7:30 a.m. before going to bed for a short time. When the witness awoke, police said, neither Lauer nor the other man were around.

Police said they managed to reach the other man, who said that he had not taken Lauer home.

After attempts to contact Lauer proved unsuccessful, authorities organized a search involving multiple law-enforcement and public safety agencies.

Attempts to locate Lauer Sunday using search and rescue dive and boating teams and a K-9 unit were unsuccessful. Responding agencies included state police from the Kittanning barracks; police and firefighters from Leechburg, Gilpin, North Apollo and Lower Burrell; and bloodhounds from Greensburg. Sunday’s search efforts continued from about 1 to 7:30 p.m.

A Trib reporter visited the site of Sunday’s river search and found no activity in the area.

State police Cpl. Sherry Hogue said there would be “no further updates” Monday when asked about the investigation.

“Right now, we are currently not searching,” Hogue said.

Lauer is described as a white male, standing about 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing close to 200 lbs.

He has blond hair and blue eyes and was last seen wearing black shorts, no shirt and was barefoot or possibly wearing black shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 724-543-2011.