Paul Smith’s student drowns after seizure

Aug. 27--PAUL SMITH'S -- A Paul Smith's College sophomore was found lifeless Tuesday on the shore of Lower St. Regis Lake.

Nicolas G. Pendl, 19, of Allegany was a forestry student here.

An autopsy shows he drowned after suffering a seizure.

FOUND BEHIND DORM

State Police Troop B Public Information Officer Trooper Jennifer Fleishman said police received a call from the college about 2:25 p.m. Tuesday.

"Nicolas Pendl was found on the shoreline of Lower St. Regis, behind the Clinton Residence Hall. There is a boat launch about 200 yards from the location where he was found. He was partially in the water," she said.

An autopsy performed Wednesday by Dr. C. Francis Varga determined the cause of death to be asphyxiation due to fresh water drowning ,which was precipitated by a seizure, State Police said. Pendl had a pre-existing seizure disorder.

Franklin County Coroner Ronald B. Keough ruled the manner of death to be accidental.

'QUIET, COMPOSED'

The loss hit hard on campus and in the sports complex Wednesday, as Pendl was a member of the Paul Smith's College snowshoe racing and marathon canoe racing teams.

"He was a friend to everybody," said Athletic Director Jim Tucker, who was Pendl's snowshoeing coach. "I think that's why it's going to hit these kids so hard.

"He just was around to help people out. I know he worked at the Special Olympics for us. He did the local race. He just quietly did it all," he said.

Tucker said Pendl was a "very precise" student and athlete.

"I thought I would be calling him to help me get the volleyball tack lines done. I ended up doing it without him this morning," Tucker said Wednesday.

"They (the lines) are crooked."

Quiet, composed and very intelligent were ways Tucker characterized Pendl.

"He just seemed to have really quiet leadership ability. It wasn't like he strived for it; that's just the way he was.

"I spent probably a few hundred hours with him last spring, as part of the snowshoe racing team. When the gun went off, he would blast to the front. With him, it worked most of the time. He did incredibly well."

A CANOE AND AN AX

Students are planning to make several markers on campus in honor of Pendl.

"I know that the students are working independently of each other, putting together a memorial service. His parents will be here this afternoon, and we want to make sure they are comfortable with the plans," Tucker said.

"The canoe team is looking at putting his name on the side of a canoe for the 90-miler race."

Professor Brett McLeod of the Natural Resources and Ecology Program said students in his Forestry Club, to which Pendl also belonged, are looking to honor his life with a handmade ax to be displayed in the Forestry Club Cabin.

"Nic was the kind of student every professor dreams about having in class. I'll always remember his contagious curiosity and sharp mind," McLeod said via email.

"He loved working in the woods, and on more than one occasion told me how much this place felt like home. This past summer, Nic attended the Adirondack Woodsmen's School where he honed his field skills, always staying late to squeeze in a little extra practice. Nic will be missed but not forgotten."</p>

'HARD TO BEAR'

College President Dr. John W. Mills, saying he was "deeply saddened," sent a message to students late Tuesday evening to tell them about Pendl's death.

"Tragedies such as these are always hard to bear. And the loss of our most precious resource, a young person with potential, is a devastating experience. I know that you, our valued student body, will do your best to insure that our community stays strong during this trying time."

Information about counseling services was sent to all students.

"I hope also to arrange a meeting for the entire campus to reflect on Nicolas's passing. Please feel free to reach out to me or any member of the faculty and staff, if you wish," Mills said.

HIGH-ACHIEVING STUDENT

As a senior at Allegany-Limestone Central School, Pendl was president of his senior class, graduating in 2013.

He maintained an online profile with the snowshoeing team, where he wrote about why he chose the college: "My grandfather, Bob Potter, went to Paul Smith's and came back years later to be a trustee. He always spoke highly of the school and the community. What better place to learn about the environment than the Adirondack Park," Pendl wrote.

He excelled as a student at Paul Smith's, being named to the Dean's List in spring 2014 and fall 2013, his first two semesters at the college.

SNOWSHOE CHAMPION

In 2014, he was named to the U.S. Collegiate Athletic Association Winter National All-Academic Team. He won Paul Smith's Striders snowshoe team Rookie of the Year in 2014.

Pendl competed in several major races, including the Empire State Winter Games, the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival snowshoe races and the International Snowshoe Championships in Granby, Quebec. He won three gold medals in the Granby race for the 400- and 800-meter races and in the 4-by-100-meter relay race.

Pendl also competed at the 2014 U.S. Snowshoe Association national championships in Woodford, Vt.

REMEMBERING NICOLAS

Friends are reminiscing about Nicolas Pendl, who went by "Nic" on Facebook and other social media.

A high school friend, Samantha Hitchcock of Allegany, wrote on his Facebook page: "You always knew how to put a smile on my face no matter what was bothering me. I wish we had stayed in touch after graduation and my thoughts and prayers go to your family. You will be greatly missed by so many! Rest in Peace Nic."

"I love you, Nic, and I will NEVER stop loving you," wrote friend Megan Rozier.

"You never failed to make me laugh and you constantly remind me of my bio teacher," wrote Markie Mohr. "(You're) love of trees is hilarious and (you're) the biggest sweetheart ever! ... I imagined you in my life for the rest of my life with Moe and it's crazy to think (you're) not coming home from college in awhile. I love you Nic and I'm going miss you so much."

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Email Kim Smith Dedam: [email protected]

Twitter: @KimDedam

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