Five die in Ohio river rescue attempt as water levels surge
Five died in Scioto River rescue attempt as water levels exceeded normal in Powell, Ohio.
Event / Disaster
US Water Rescue Deaths
Two separate water-related incidents in the United States resulted in ten deaths within two days. On July 17, five people including fire captain Spencer Long died in a flash flood near Bicknell, Utah during a canyoneering excursion. On July 19, five people died in the Scioto River near Powell, Ohio while attempting to rescue a struggling swimmer in dangerously high water conditions.
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2026-08-15 to 2026-11-12 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 21 Jul, 05:59 UTC
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What happened
Five people killed in Utah flash flood during camping trip
Five family members, including fire captain Spencer Long, were killed in a flash flood in southern Utah on July 17. The family arrived at the Sunglow Campground area near Bicknell to go hiking and canyoneering. Heavy rains caused flooding through the canyon. A body was discovered in a wash near the campground around 5 p.m. on July 17, with other family members' bodies recovered in the following days.
Scioto River water flow exceeded normal levels during incident
The Scioto River was running high and fast on July 19. U.S. Geological Survey data from a water gauge at the nearby dam showed the river flowing at approximately 350 cubic feet per second—more than a fourfold increase over a three-day span and more than double the average rate.
Child ran for help after witnessing Scioto River incident
A motorist called 911 shortly after 9 p.m. on July 19 after spotting a frightened child running along State Route 257 near the O'Shaughnessy Reservoir. The child informed the motorist that family members were in the river. Two children found at the scene, both under age 10, were placed in the care of Delaware County Job and Family Services.
Five people died in Scioto River rescue attempt in Powell, Ohio
Five people died after attempting to rescue a struggling swimmer in the Scioto River near Powell, Ohio on July 19. One person entered the water to swim and began struggling. Others jumped in to help, and they also began struggling. Two women were found and pronounced dead at hospitals. Three men's bodies were found in the river on July 20.
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Five killed in Utah flash flood during camping trip
Five people died in a flash flood during a camping trip in Utah.