5 dead after rescue attempts in fast-moving Ohio river
A motorist called 911 Sunday evening after seeing a frightened child running along a nearby road seeking help. The child said his family was in the river.
Evan Stafford from American Whitewater discusses river safety for this summer.
Five adults died after one swimmer began struggling in the Scioto River and four others apparently entered the water in a series of rescue attempts, Ohio authorities said.
The group had gathered Sunday evening along the river in Powell, a suburb north of Columbus, when one person went swimming and became distressed, Delaware County Sheriff Jeffrey Balzer said at a news conference, according to The Associated Press.
A view from the Fred L, Stults Bridge over the Scioto River near where multiple people died after several of them went into the water to help another person who was struggling to swim Monday, July 20, 2026, in Powell, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
The Delaware Gazette reported that the group had been fishing near Area L and spending time by the river. Balzer told the newspaper that investigators believe two people initially entered the water to help the swimmer. When they also began struggling, two more people went in.
“That’s when the tragedy started to occur,” Balzer said, according to AP.
A motorist called 911 shortly after 9 p.m. after seeing a frightened child running along a nearby road seeking help. The child said his family was in the river.
Rescue crews found two women Sunday night. They were taken to hospitals and pronounced dead, according to Balzer. The bodies of three men were recovered Monday, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tracy Whited told AP.
Authorities have not publicly identified the victims as they worked to notify relatives.
Two children younger than 10 years old were at the scene. The child who ran for help and the other child were placed in the care of family services.
Scioto River running high and fast
The Scioto River rose from 188 cubic feet per second Saturday morning to 400 cubic feet per second Sunday morning, close to average for the day, according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Jesse Ferrell. "This was a modest rise compared to the 1,890 cubic feet per second maximum for the month, recorded on July 11," Ferrell noted, adding that the river last exceeded 400 cubic feet per second on July 5 and June 24.
"It's not unusual for one person to be struggling in the water. Other people attempt to save them, yet they don't have the skills to do that, so we end up with multiple deaths," Sheriff Balzer said, advising people to really know your skill level before you get in the water. “Make sure you have other people around in case something goes wrong to notify someone.”
The American Red Cross recommends “reach or throw, don’t go” when someone is struggling in the water. People should call for help and extend or throw a floating object rather than entering the water and risking becoming another victim.
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