Authorities have arrested a Toledo, Ohio, woman in connection with the disappearance of an 11-year-old girl during a recreational boat trip on Lake Erie. The Lucas County Sheriff's Office confirmed Friday that Kristen Gerrie, 41, was taken into custody and charged with one count of endangering children.
Gerrie was on a boat with 11-year-old Angelique Cunningham and Jonathan Ciha on July 1. Sheriff Michael J. Navarre stated that Angelique was in Gerrie's care when she vanished less than 15 minutes after the boat departed Meinke Marina in Jerusalem Township. Gerrie later reportedly swam ashore and was questioned by investigators.
The following morning, Ciha, identified as the boat's owner, was found dead in the water. The Lucas County Coroner's Office believes he drowned, but the circumstances are still under investigation. The boat was later recovered near West Sister Island.
On Sunday, a body was discovered along the Lake Erie shoreline that authorities believe to be Angelique Cunningham. The discovery came after an extensive search that transitioned from a rescue to a recovery mission, as crews determined it was unlikely the girl would be found alive.
"Our thoughts remain with the family and everyone affected by this tragedy," Toledo Fire and Rescue said in a statement. "We ask the public to continue giving emergency crews the space needed to conduct this difficult operation."
Investigators believe all the incidents are connected. The search involved multiple local, state, and federal agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Gerrie is being held on a $50,000 bond. Angelique was reported missing by her mother on Thursday morning after failing to return from the boat trip.