After months of wondering and waiting, the minds and hearts of the Swymer family finally can rest.

The body of Nathan O. Swymer, a former University student who was missing since February, was found around noon Friday, Aug. 29 in Owasco Lake, N.Y., New York State Police trooper Robert Kotin said.

Cayuga County Coroner Janice Ross determined drowning was the cause of death, according to a New York State Police news release. Swymer, of Exton, was a junior majoring in electrical engineering.

At the time Swymer was thought to be missing -- Feb. 22 -- he was living in Auburn, N.Y. and participating in a work-study program.

While on the lake, a storm developed and Nathan Swymer lost control of the light, aluminum water craft he was in and the boat drifted into the middle of the lake, said state Rep. Robert J. Flick, R-Chester County, a family friend.

The case was closed soon after Swymer was reported missing because conventional scuba diving equipment could not reach the bottom of the lake, according to a news release issued by the New York State Police.

Steven Swymer, Nathan's father, contacted Flick and asked him if he knew anyone who could help him find his son, Flick said. Flick contacted officials in Harrisburg and asked them to re-open the case and allow private companies to bring in advanced equipment and trained diving teams, he said.

Flick also sought U.S. Rep. Curt Weldon's support, who was able to raise $10,000 for the effort, along with other members of Congress and the Chamber of Commerce, he said.

The money was used to offset the costs of bringing necessary equipment to the site, Flick said.

"It took a long time to line everybody up at once," Flick said, noting that dates in May and July were discussed, but schedules were not free until August.

The body was found almost immediately after the divers went underwater. "With the advanced technology available, we were able to pinpoint the body and find him in a short amount of time," Flick said.

A private service will be held for the family next week, Flick said.