Five people have died in Delaware County, Ohio, after an attempt to help a struggling swimmer in the Scioto River turned tragic on Sunday. The incident began when a motorist observed a distressed child running along a state highway near the river and called 911.
First responders arrived and pulled two women from the water. Both were transported to area hospitals where they were pronounced dead. A search continued for three men who were also believed to be in the river, and their bodies were recovered on Monday. The Delaware County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Tracy Whited confirmed the recoveries.
Authorities believe the group was fishing at the river on Sunday evening when one adult entered the water to swim and began to struggle. According to Sheriff Jeffrey Balzer, two other individuals then entered the river in an attempt to save the struggling swimmer, and they too began to experience distress. Two more individuals subsequently entered the water to assist.
Two sets of parents are believed to be among the five deceased. Officials believe one of the deceased was the initial individual who struggled in the water. The incident remains under investigation. Names of the victims are not being released pending notification of next of kin.
Two children under the age of 10, who were with the group, have been placed in the care of family services. Police were observed on the Scioto River on July 20, 2026, during the search and rescue effort.