Five Adults Drown in Scioto River Near Powell During Rescue Chain

Five adults drowned in the Scioto River near Powell, Ohio, on July 19 after one member of a fishing group began struggling while swimming and four others entered the water in succession to help. The group had gathered along the river in the Columbus suburb to fish when one adult went in to swim.

That person struggled, prompting two others to enter the water to assist. Those two also struggled, and two more people then entered to help, resulting in five deaths. A frightened child from the group ran along a nearby road, where a motorist spotted the child and called 911.

Rescue crews recovered two women from the river that night and pronounced them dead at area hospitals. The bodies of three men were recovered the next day.

The river was flowing at approximately 350 cubic feet per second on July 19, more than four times the rate recorded three days earlier and more than double the average, according to U.S. Geological Survey data. Two sets of parents are believed to be among the deceased, and one of the five is believed to be the person who first struggled in the water.

Authorities have not released the victims' names pending notification of relatives. Two children under age 10 who were with the group, including the child who sought help, have been placed in the care of family services.

A sheriff said people near water should assess conditions and their own skill level before entering. "Know your skill level before you get in the water," the sheriff said. The incident remains under investigation.