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Athena Lyons, 11, Identified After Recovery From East Fork White River in Columbus

Officials say she was swept off a sandbar by the river’s current.

Overview

  • Conservation officer divers found her Thursday in about 10 feet of water roughly 80 yards from where she went under.
  • She had gone missing Tuesday evening near Mill Race Park after wading off a sandbar and being pulled by the current.
  • Crews from the Columbus Fire Department, the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana Conservation Officers searched with boats, sonar and above- and underwater drones.
  • The search paused overnight and shifted to a recovery effort that resumed Wednesday morning.
  • The Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office identified the child as Athena Lyons as the investigation continues, and the mayor offered condolences and thanked responders and community supporters.