Five individuals drowned in Ohio while trying to save a swimmer during a fishing trip along the Scioto River, according to authorities. The incident took place on Sunday evening near Powell, a suburb of Columbus. Two women were pulled from the river and later pronounced dead at local hospitals, while the bodies of three men were recovered the following day after search efforts resumed.
Delaware County Sheriff Jeff Balzer stated that the group had gathered to enjoy a summer evening, including fishing, when one person entered the water and began to struggle. A passing driver called 911 shortly after 9 p.m. on July 19 after seeing a young child running along State Route 257, who informed the driver that family members were in the river.
As others attempted to rescue the swimmer, the situation escalated, resulting in five drownings. Authorities indicated that the group may have included two sets of parents, two children, and another adult. The children, both under the age of 10, remained on shore during the incident. A language barrier initially complicated efforts to gather information from them, but they are now under the care of Delaware County Job and Family Services.