Five dead after group attempts to save struggling swimmer in Ohio

Published July 20, 2026 5:04pm ET



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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