Streator fisherman drowns

Livingston County Sheriff’s Deputies and Livingston Co. Coroner Keith Von Qualen, Dwight, investigated the drowning of an 18 year-old Streatorite in the Vermillion Rive at the Streator Dam sit, south of this city, Saturday evening.

Bruce Todd McClellan, 18, 26 Rosemont Lane, had been fishing on a cement pier when his line became snagged. He was trying to get it loose when he stepped from the pier into deepwater, according to authorities.

Two Streator men also fishing near the site tried unsuccessfully to rescue him, authorities said.

McClellan’s body was recovered about 8 p.m. by the Ottawa Rescue Squad. The incident occurred at approximately 6:45 p.m., according to Coroner Von Qualen.

Funeral for Bruce T. McClellan will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, in Winterrowd Funeral Home, with burial at Hillcrest Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., today.

McClellan was born to Jason and Shirley (Hefler) McClellan Dec. 7, 1959 in Streator. He had resided in this city all his life, graduating from Streator High School in June. He was formerly employed at town and Country Motel.

Surviving are his parents; a sister, Mrs. Larry (Michelle) Majernik of Streator; a brother, Tracy McClellan of Streator; a nephew, Troy of Streator; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Hefler of Streator; paternal great-grandmother, Mrs. Polly Herron of Pleasant Plains.