Two children survived after a family gathering near Powell became a deadly water emergency during unusually strong river conditions.
POWELL, Ohio — Five adults died after several members of a group entered the Scioto River to help a swimmer who was struggling, turning a Sunday gathering near this Columbus suburb into a large overnight rescue and recovery operation, authorities said.
The emergency began July 19 when one person in the group entered the river for a swim and began having trouble, Delaware County Sheriff Jeffrey Balzer said. Other adults went into the water to help but also began struggling. A passing motorist contacted 911 after seeing a frightened child from the group running along a nearby road in search of help.
Rescue crews found two women in the river Sunday night. They were taken to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Search teams continued working through the night and recovered the bodies of three men Monday, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tracy Whited said. Authorities did not disclose exactly where each person was found.
The victims’ names had not been released while officials worked to notify relatives. Authorities said the group included two children younger than 10. The child who ran for help and the other child were placed in the care of county family services after the adults died. Officials did not immediately provide further information about the children or their relationships to the victims.
The Scioto River was flowing high and fast when the emergency occurred. Data from a U.S. Geological Survey gauge near a dam showed a flow of about 350 cubic feet per second Sunday. That rate was more than four times the recorded flow three days earlier and more than twice the average level, according to the Associated Press.
Emergency personnel from several agencies searched the river for hours. The operation continued after dark and into Monday as crews worked along the water and established a staging area nearby. Authorities have not released a full account of the order in which the adults entered the river or said whether any of them had flotation devices.
Balzer described the deaths as a tragedy that began when the first swimmer encountered trouble. He said people entering rivers and other natural waterways should consider changing conditions and their own swimming ability. Strong currents can be difficult to recognize from shore, particularly after increases in rainfall or water releases.
The sheriff’s office continued investigating the circumstances Tuesday. No criminal activity had been reported, and officials had not announced evidence that anyone outside the group contributed to the deaths. Medical authorities had not publicly released formal causes of death.
Authorities were continuing efforts to reach the victims’ relatives and determine long-term care arrangements for the two children. Further information, including the adults’ identities, was expected only after family notifications were completed.
Author note: Last updated July 21, 2026.