Five people drowned in Ohio after attempting to rescue a struggling swimmer during a fishing trip along the Scioto River, authorities said.
The incident occurred Sunday evening near the suburb of Powell, just outside Columbus. Two women were pulled from the river Sunday night and later pronounced dead at local hospitals. The bodies of the remaining three victims, all men, were recovered Monday after search efforts resumed.
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Delaware County Sheriff Jeff Balzer said the group had gathered along the river “to enjoy themselves on a summer evening,” including fishing, when one person entered the water and began to struggle.
A passing driver called 911 shortly after 9 p.m. on July 19 after spotting a distraught young child running along State Route 257, according to the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office. The child told the driver that family members were in the river.
As others rushed into the water to try to save the initial swimmer, the situation quickly escalated, Balzer said, with five people ultimately drowning.
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Authorities said the group may have included two sets of parents, two children, and another adult.
The children, both under the age of 10, remained on shore during the incident. Balzer said a language barrier initially made it difficult for authorities to gather information from them. They are now in the care of Delaware County Job and Family Services.
