A desperate attempt to rescue a struggling swimmer in the Scioto River in Powell, Ohio, ended in tragedy with five adults dead, authorities reported. The incident began Sunday when one person in a group enjoying the riverside started to struggle in the water.

Others from the group, who were fishing nearby, entered the fast-flowing river in an effort to help but were quickly overcome by the current themselves. Delaware County Sheriff Jeffrey Balzer stated that it is not uncommon for bystanders to attempt rescues without the necessary skills, leading to multiple fatalities.

Around 9:25 p.m. on Sunday, a young boy from the group ran along State Route 257 and flagged down a passing driver, reporting that his family was in trouble in the river. The motorist immediately called 911. Emergency services responded to multiple calls.

Deputies pulled two women from the water; they were transported to a hospital where they were pronounced dead. The bodies of three men were recovered on Monday. Officials confirmed that three men and two women died during the rescue attempt.

Two young children, both under the age of 10, were present at the scene. It remains unclear if their parents were among the deceased. The children have been placed in the care of Delaware County Job and Family Services.

Water conditions on the Scioto River were described as high and fast, with a flow rate of approximately 350 cubic feet per second, which is more than double the average. Sheriff Balzer urged the public to take safety precautions near waterways, especially during summer months, and recommended the use of life jackets.

In a separate incident, a family of six, including a Provo Fire Captain, his wife, and their three sons, died during a flash flood while hiking and canyoneering in Utah on Friday, according to the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. The family was caught by heavy rain near the Sunglow campground. The body of one son was found that night, with the father and two other sons located shortly after. The mother and their remaining son were discovered the following morning.