Five People Die in Failed Rescue Attempt at Ohio River in Columbus Suburb

A rescue effort turned fatal Sunday evening when five people drowned in the Scioto River near Powell, a suburb of Columbus, Ohio, according to authorities who disclosed the incident Monday. A group had gathered at the waterway when one member entered the water to swim, prompting a cascade of unsuccessful rescue attempts by others nearby.

Delaware County Sheriff Jeffrey Balzer described the escalating crisis at a news conference, explaining that as the initial swimmer experienced difficulty, two additional people waded in to help. When those rescuers also began struggling, two more individuals entered the water in an effort to save them, Balzer said.

Around 9 p.m., a distressed child who had been part of the group ran to a nearby road where a motorist spotted the youngster and alerted emergency services. The child informed responders that family members were in the river, prompting first responders to arrive at the scene.

Two women were recovered from the water and transported to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Search efforts continued into Monday, when the bodies of three men were discovered in the river, said Tracy Whited, a spokeswoman for the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department. The names of the five deceased have not been released.

Investigators found no boat at the scene and have not determined whether alcohol contributed to the tragedy. Two children under age 10 who were present have been placed in the custody of family services.

Sheriff Balzer urged residents to equip themselves with life vests and other safety devices when spending time near bodies of water. The Scioto River, which spans 230 miles, remains a popular destination for fishing and recreation in the region.