SLIPPERY ROCK TWP, Lawrence County — Searchers were to return today to McConnells Mill State Park for a third day in hopes of finding the body of a fisherman presumed drowned in Slippery Rock Creek during the weekend.

John P. Latulippe, 38, of Glenshaw, Allegheny County, fell into the rain-swollen creek while fishing near the park’s covered bridge about 9 a.m. Saturday, authorities said.

The creek’s unusually swift current from a steady rainfall for days is believed to have quickly swept Latulippe down stream.

The water conditions hampered both the search and rescue effort in the morning and the subsequent recovery operation by afternoon.

“The water was too swift for divers to go in due to the rain,” Lauer said. “All we could do was put swift water technicians near the shore with poles and pokers.”

Authorities suspect he slipped on a rock while trout fishing with a friend. State police said he was last seen wearing blue jeans, a fishing vest, cap and sneakers.

The Lawrence County EMS was to resume the search today.