An update to the original story dating back to December 2009...

Please send your thoughts and prayers for the Shok family at this time.

Thank you.

*Rest In Peace Brian*

Local Area Paper's Article surrounding the story:

http://meadvilletribune.com/local/x1338262628/Missing-Shoks-body-pulled-from-Conneaut-Lake

March 18, 2010

Missing Shok's body pulled from Conneaut Lake

Staff Writer CNHI

CONNEAUT LAKE —  CONNEAUT LAKE — A body identified as Brian Robert Shok was discovered  on the west side of Conneaut Lake approximately 400 yards north of  Fireman’s Beach Thursday around 8:30 p.m.

Crawford County Chief Deputy Coroner Scott Schell confirmed the  identification and said an autopsy is scheduled for today.

“We would just like to thank everyone who helped with the search for  Brian — and for everyone’s prayers and thoughts throughout the search,”  Steve Kightlinger, Brian’s stepfather, said Thursday night.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, Shok’s body was discovered in  the waters of Conneaut Lake by a resident who lives on the lakeshore.  The Conneaut Lake Water Rescue team helped remove the body, which was  later identified by his family.

The 26-year-old Shok, who lived on Nancy Drive in Meadville, was last  seen Dec. 11 at his father’s Conneaut Lake residence on Lakeshore Drive.

In the days following Shok’s disappearance, Crawford County Scuba Team  searched the waters of Conneaut Lake several times and as many as 100  volunteers also scoured the area in hopes of finding him. In addition to  a substantial private reward, a reward for information was offered by  Crawford County Crime Stoppers. The search took on a special urgency  because the young man, a diabetic, did not have necessary medication  with him when he disappeared.

At the time, Pennsylvania State Police described the search as  “extensive.” The search, according to police, included land, lake and  Shok’s Ellison Avenue neighborhood in Pittsburgh.

In a touching tribute to her brother published in the Tribune days  before Christmas, Allison Leigh Shok had a message for the community.

“So to all of you who are mourning because he is missing, just as I am,  take a minute this Christmas to hug someone you love and let them know  how special they are,” she wrote in December. “Because, I can promise  you, that extra warmth you feel in this very cold city, is my brother.  He may be gone for now, but he’ll forever be a part of me and hopefully a  part of you. Smile, because as my wise and beautiful mother says, ‘It  is much better to have known someone so gentle and amazing than to never  have known him at all.’ She couldn't be more right. I love you Brian.  Many people do, and always will.”

Contacted by the Tribune Thursday night, she said she had prepared a  eulogy that she intends to share with the community through the Tribune. -Mary Spicer (mspicer@meadvilletribune.com)