Mass. boater describes teen's drowning

PHILLIPSTON, Mass. (AP) - A boater says he tried three times to save a drowning man who fell out of his boat into Queen Lake in Phillipston, but the 18-year-old victim panicked and pulled him under water until his strength finally gave out.

Stanley Smith told the Telegram & Gazette that Roger Ladue kept tackling him and the two went under the surface of the lake last weekend.

The 49-year-old Smith had a mild heart attack after the rescue attempt. He said his son, Cody and Ladue, whose body was recovered from the lake Sunday, had been school friends.

Smith said Ladue was standing close to the edge of the boat and fell when another boat passed, producing a small wave.

The drowning is being investigated by Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.