Over 50 people and six dogs were rescued from the treacherous waters of Ohio’s Cuyahoga River just one day after a tragic incident claimed the life of a 5-year-old boy and left his heroic father missing after saving part of his family.
Key Takeaways
- Kent Fire Department and multiple agencies rescued 51 people and 6 dogs from the Cuyahoga River’s dangerous conditions in just three hours
- The rescue came shortly after a separate tragic incident where a 5-year-old Braxton Cross, drowned, and his father remains missing after their inflatable capsized
- Many of those rescued were without life jackets and had lost control of their rafts due to unexpectedly strong currents following recent storms
- Officials have strongly advised the public to avoid the river during these hazardous conditions to prevent further tragedies
- The search for the missing father has transitioned to a recovery mission involving approximately 50 personnel, five boats, drones, and search canines
Mass Rescue Operation After Tragedy
In a dramatic three-hour operation, the Kent Fire Department, along with four neighboring departments, rescued more than 50 individuals and six dogs from the raging waters of the Cuyahoga River. The rescue mission became necessary when several groups in kayaks and rafts lost control of their vessels due to the river’s powerful current. Many of those rescued were found without life jackets, putting them at severe risk in the unexpectedly rough conditions that followed recent storms in the area.
“Several [groups] were coming down the river on kayaks and rafts and observed losing control or falling out of their rafts and kayaks due to the current of the river,” the department stated about the perilous situation that unfolded on the water. The rescue effort initially began with a report of 11 people who had fallen from their rafts and were unable to exit the fast-moving water. As the operation continued, rescuers encountered more stranded individuals who required immediate assistance.
Father’s Heroism Amid Tragedy
The mass rescue came less than 24 hours after a heartbreaking incident where a family’s inflatable raft capsized near the Portage Trail Bridge on June 21. A father heroically managed to save his wife and 4-year-old son before disappearing into the currents himself while trying to rescue his 5-year-old son, Braxton Cross. Tragically, Braxton’s body was recovered on June 22, while the search for his father has now transitioned to a recovery mission pending lower water levels.
“Our heart hurts for the family, we’re here to support them, we’ve been doing everything we can to comfort them and provide closure,” said Cuyahoga Falls Mayor Don Walters about the devastating incident that has shaken the community.
The search operation has grown to include about 50 personnel from multiple agencies, including the Akron Fire Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Searchers are using five boats, drones, and specialized search canines to examine every possible location along the river. As water levels have begun to recede, rescuers have gained access to previously inaccessible areas, expanding their search range.
Warnings Issued as Dangers Persist
Local authorities have posted warning signs and issued public statements urging residents to stay away from the river until conditions improve. The Kent Fire Department emphasized the unpredictable and powerful nature of the river following the recent weather events that dramatically increased water levels and current speeds. Despite these warnings, many recreational water users either missed or ignored the cautions, leading to the mass rescue operation.
“While today’s response ended safely for all those on the water, it serves as a reminder of how powerful and unpredictable the river can be,” the fire department warned after completing the rescue operations. “With recent storms this past week, the water is both high and the current is fast.”
The department issued a final plea to the public that cuts straight to the heart of the matter: “We ask that you stay on dry land and simply observe the beauty of the river during these rough conditions rather than risk danger to yourself and others.” This straightforward request comes as emergency responders continue to deal with the aftermath of tragic events that have already claimed one young life and possibly another.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
As search teams continue their methodical examination of the river, they remain committed to providing closure for the family that has already endured unimaginable loss. Cuyahoga Falls firefighter Daniel Pittman detailed the thorough approach being taken: “We are attacking the main parts where most of these incidents occur, and we are going to the areas that seem less likely, but we are checking every nook and cranny.”
The lowering water levels have provided some assistance to the search teams. “Things that were inaccessible yesterday are accessible today. We’ve gone further upriver today, and we have located more high-hazard areas since the water has gone down,” explained Pittman. The community continues to rally around the affected family while authorities work tirelessly to bring a resolution to this heartbreaking situation.
