Five people died after attempting to rescue a person struggling to swim in the Scioto River in Powell, Ohio, on July 19, 2026. The victims included two women and three men, according to authorities.
Rescue Attempt Turns Deadly
Delaware County Sheriff Jeffrey Balzer said a group had gathered along the river when one person entered the water for a swim. “That’s when the tragedy started to occur,” he said at a news conference. Others jumped in to help but also began struggling.
A motorist called emergency services after spotting a frightened child running along a nearby road seeking help. The child, along with another under 10, has been placed in the care of family services.
Recovery Efforts
Rescue crews found two women on Sunday who were pronounced dead at a hospital. The bodies of three men were recovered on Monday, said Tracy Whited, a spokesperson for the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department. Authorities did not specify where the victims were located.
River Conditions
The Scioto River was running high and fast on Sunday. Data from a U.S. Geological Survey gauge at the nearby dam showed water flowing at about 350 cubic feet (10 cubic meters) per second — more than double the average rate and a fourfold increase over three days.
Safety Warnings
Sheriff Balzer urged caution near water. “Know your skill level before you get in the water. Are you a confident swimmer? Make sure you have other people around in case something goes wrong to notify someone,” he said.
The tragedy occurred two days after five people died in a flash flood in southern Utah.
