Five people died in the Scioto River in Powell, Ohio, after multiple individuals entered high, fast-moving water to assist a swimmer who was struggling, local authorities said Monday.
Rescue Efforts
A group had gathered along the river in the Columbus suburb. One member of the group went into the water for a swim, according to Delaware County Sheriff Jeffrey Balzer.
Rescue crews deployed to the scene on Sunday recovered two women from the water. Both were taken to a local hospital, where they were pronounced dead, according to Balzer. On Monday, searchers located the bodies of three men in the river, said Tracy Whited, a spokesperson for the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office.
Data from a U.S. Geological Survey water gauge at a nearby dam indicated that the river was running unusually fast and high on Sunday. The gauge recorded a flow rate of approximately 350 cubic feet per second, representing more than a fourfold increase over a three-day period and double the historical average for that date.
Balzer urged the public to exercise caution around open water and pay close attention to environmental conditions.
Two children under the age of 10 who were present at the scene, including the child who ran to the road for help, were placed in the care of local child services while authorities worked to notify the victims’ next of kin.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
