Efforts to save swimmers in distress at a river in Ohio ended tragically, with reports of five fatalities over the weekend, according to authorities.
On Sunday evening, a group had gathered at the Scioto River in Powell, a suburb of Columbus. One person decided to take a swim, and that’s when things began to go wrong. Delaware County Sheriff Jeffrey Balzer mentioned during a news conference that others quickly jumped in to assist the struggling swimmer.
“We understand that one person entered the water and was having difficulties. Two others attempted to help them,” Balzer explained. This resulted in a struggle, prompting yet another two individuals to enter the river.
A child from the group, appearing quite upset, ran onto a nearby road and caught the attention of a passing driver who called 911. The child conveyed that family members were in the water, Balzer noted.
Paramedics arrived and discovered two women who were later pronounced dead at the hospital.
On Monday, the bodies of three men surfaced in the river, as stated by Tracy Whited, a spokesperson for the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department. Their identities have not yet been disclosed.
At the scene, there was no boat present, and it remains uncertain if alcohol played a role in the incident.
Two children under ten who were part of the gathering are being provided family services, according to the sheriff.
He also advised the public to prepare safety gear, such as life jackets, when near water.
The 330-mile-long Scioto River is well-known among locals and is populated with various fish species, such as bass, catfish, and carp.
This incident occurred just days after a family of five lost their lives in Utah due to flash floods in that region.
