Authorities in Ohio have reported a tragic incident involving five fatalities on the Scioto River in Powell, a suburb of Columbus. The event unfolded when members of a group, originally engaged in fishing, attempted to rescue an individual struggling to swim.
The Delaware County Sheriff, Jeffrey Balzer, shared details during a news conference. The ordeal began when a motorist alerted authorities after seeing a distressed child on a nearby road. The child had been part of the group and was running while crying out for their mother.
Two children, both under the age of 10, were subsequently placed under the care of family services. Among them was the child who sought help.
According to Sheriff Balzer, the group had set out for a fishing trip along the Scioto River. One member ventured into the river to swim, triggering the sequence of events that led to tragedy. As others attempted to assist the struggling swimmer, they too encountered difficulties in the water.
Rescue crews dispatched to the scene on Sunday managed to recover two women. Unfortunately, they were pronounced dead at a hospital. The following day, search efforts led to the recovery of three men’s bodies from the river, as confirmed by Tracy Whited, spokesperson for the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department.
Officials are currently in the process of notifying the victims’ next of kin.
This Ohio tragedy comes shortly after another sorrowful incident, where five family members lost their lives due to a flash flood in southern Utah during a hiking expedition.