Tragic Incident on Ohio River Claims Five Lives

Authorities reported that five people died in an incident on the Scioto River in Powell, Ohio, after several individuals entered the water to assist a swimmer in distress.

The event unfolded on Sunday when a motorist alerted 911 after seeing a frightened child running along a nearby road. The child was part of the group that had gathered by the river.

Delaware County Sheriff Jeffrey Balzer confirmed that two children, both under the age of ten, have since been taken into the care of family services, including the child who sought help.

According to Sheriff Balzer, the tragedy began when one member of the group decided to swim in the river. Others jumped in to assist, but soon found themselves struggling as well.

Rescue teams responded to the scene and, on Sunday, located two women who were subsequently pronounced dead at a hospital. The search continued into Monday, when the bodies of three men were recovered from the river, as stated by Tracy Whited, a spokesperson for the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).