Doylestown In Mourning Over Tragic Loss Of Promising Young Teen

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Doylestown community is in mourning this week after the life of a promising young man was cut short over the weekend in a tragic boating accident in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Eighteen-year-old Dominic Testani, who had graduated early from Central Bucks High School West in January, was preparing to start the next leg of his life as one of the U.S. Army's newest recruits. He was scheduled to report to Boot Camp this spring.

"Dom was a kid who lived every single day to the fullest. The world is less without him," wrote Robert Bannon, a father of one of the young men who was with Testani when the accident occurred. "Please pray for their well-being and for the Testani family. Hold your children tight," he wrote on Facebook.

Just a few short months ago, Dominic posed for a photo at the Doylestown Army Recruitment Center sporting a huge smile and holding the symbol of the U.S. Army. He had his whole life ahead of him and was looking forward to serving the nation.

"My heart is torn into pieces over the news," said Testani's Army recruiter, SFC Antuane Zavala. "He was a special human being. He was so excited about the Army and he was going to be such a big asset. He was a wonderful addition to the family! I have no words for how this tragedy hit me and the other NCOs in the office."

Testani went boating at 1 a.m. on Saturday morning on Lake Henry in Wayne County with two friends when the row boat they were in capsized sometime around 1:30 a.m.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police at Honesdale, two of the boaters were able to make it to the shore with assistance. Testani's body was recovered about eight hours later by the Scott Township Dive Rescue Team.

An autopsy was performed on Monday, according to Wayne County Coroner Dr. Edward Howell. The case, however, remains pending the results of further testing with a final determination expected in 12 to 18 weeks.

"Chris and the others struggled for their lives after their boat capsized," Bannon wrote on Facebook. "They were hanging onto the capsized boat screaming for help far from shore in the pitch black of night. After a while and by some miracle and by the grace of God, someone heard their screams."

That person, he wrote, was Sean McFadden, who Bannon is calling a hero. McFadden was another teen who had accompanied his friends to the lake, but had stayed on shore.

According to Bannon, McFadden “acquired a homeowner’s canoe and went into the freezing waters, paddling with his arms. Armed only with an iPhone flashlight, he ventured into the darkness somehow hand-paddling and holding an iPhone for light in the direction of the screams. He single-handedly pulled two mostly unresponsive, purple, and frigid young men and saved saved two lives."

On Sunday, the Central Bucks School District, where Dominic's dad, Michael, works as the principal at Linden Elementary School, issued the following statement.

"The news of Dominic Testani’s death is devastating for our students, our staff, and our entire Central Bucks community. Dominic was a January 2023 early graduate of Central Bucks High School West who was preparing to enter the military, and was a beloved friend, teammate, and classmate. We share in the loss with his family and stand ready to support everyone affected by this tragedy.

"As our team mourns with the Testani family, we find a sense of comfort in knowing that we are here for one another, and we are grateful for the support that has always characterized the Central Bucks community."

At the close of Monday night's Doylestown Borough Council, Council President Jack O'Brien dedicated the adjournment to the memory of Dominic Testani.