Missing Western PA's Man's Body, Vehicle Recovered From Lake

CHEAT LAKE, WV — Emergency responders pulled a vehicle from Cheat Lake Sunday that contained the body of a Fayette County man who had been missing for a week.

Kevin Lataille, 59, of Smithfield, had not been seen since leaving his job at an Eat 'N Park in the Morgantown area last Sunday.

According to a Facebook post from the Murrysville Medic One Dive Team, police investigating Lataille's disappearance suspected his car possibly went over the side of an Interstate 68 bridge and into the lake.

"Due to the unique circumstances and difficult recovery teams from Pennsylvania and West Virginia were assembled for the mission. Ice rescue technicians walked along the interstate bridge locating car parts.

"Ice rescue personnel cut an access hole for divers which were deployed locating the vehicle in 12 feet of water under the ice. Divers were able to confirm the vehicle’s color make and model and also confirmed the vehicle was occupied."

A large tow truck was used to lift the vehicle out of the water and onto the bridge, according to the dive team.

Lataille's family issued the following statement on Sunday:

"We regret to inform you that Kevin has been found, but sadly, he has passed away. He will be deeply missed.

"We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the search efforts. The overwhelming support from friends, family, strangers, and those who distributed flyers, shared his missing person post, and prayed daily has been incredible. We are grateful to those who used drones, helped manage social media, and were there when we needed support the most."