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Five Drown in Scioto River After Series of Rescue Attempts

Authorities say unusually high river flows near a known steep drop-off complicate the investigation as Honduran and U.S. officials work to repatriate victims.

Overview

  • Law enforcement says one person began struggling in the Scioto River and four others entered the water to help, with all five pulled under and later recovered by rescue teams.
  • The Delaware County Sheriff has identified the victims as Marina Suyapa Regalado Miranda, Jose Mario Pineda Diaz, Carmen Idalia Ferrera Lara, Miguel Angel Guerra Ruiz and Jonathan Gabriel Vargas.
  • Honduran authorities confirmed that four of the five were Honduran citizens and are coordinating with U.S. officials to verify identities and arrange repatriation, a process that officials say can take weeks.
  • Two children, ages 8 and 10, who were present at the scene were placed in Delaware County Job & Family Services custody and are expected to be reunited with relatives in Honduras.
  • Investigators cite unusually high flows — about 350 cubic feet per second at a nearby USGS gauge — and a steep drop-off at the site as risk factors while the death probe continues; an unverified photo taken by a passing pastor is being reported by media but has not been confirmed by authorities.