Local Teen Dies Following Cliff Dive at Francis Walter During Outing with Family & Friends

16-year old Devin Janvere, Tobyhanna, who police say died following a leap from a cliff at the Francis Water Dam yesterday. (Facebook photo)

BEAR CREEK (MAY 27, 2020) – Pennsylvania State Police said 16-year-old Devin Janvere, Tobyhanna, died yesterday after jumping off a cliff at the Francis E. Walter Dam.

Police say Devine was with family and friends when he jumped off a 20 to 30 foot cliff into the water. Multiple observers who saw him struggling, tried to save him, but could not keep him afloat. The Thornhurst Dive Team, Germania Scuba Team and Hanover Township Water Rescue later recovered Janvere’s body under about 50 feet of water in an area about 20 feet from shore.

He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Luzerne County Coroner, who is continuing to investigate.

(Edited to correct the headline which erroneously referred to the tragedy occurring on Memorial Day.)