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.
The incident occurred Sunday, when 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.
“That’s when the tragedy started to occur,” Balzer said at a news conference, adding that others who jumped in to help subsequently began struggling in the current.
A passing motorist called 911 after noticing a child from the group running along a nearby road seeking assistance.
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. Officials did not specify the exact locations where the bodies were recovered.
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.
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.
Balzer urged the public to exercise caution around open water and pay close attention to environmental conditions.
“Know your skill level before you get in the water. Are you a confident swimmer?” Balzer said. “Make sure you have other people around in case something goes wrong to notify someone.”
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