Jeffrey Balzer, Delaware County Sheriff in Ohio, stated on 20/7 that his office received an emergency call from a driver who reported seeing a frantic boy running along the highway near the Scioto river the previous evening.

The boy reported that his entire family was in the river, Balzer recounted. Authorities immediately launched a search and rescue operation along the river, bringing two women ashore. The victims were transported to a hospital but did not survive.

Police searching the Scioto river, Delaware County, Ohio on 20/7. Photo: *WSYX*.

Officials continued searching for three men missing in the river. Their bodies were discovered on 20/7, according to Tracy Whited, spokesperson for the Delaware County Sheriff's Office.

Initial investigations revealed the group was fishing in the Scioto river in Powell, north of Columbus, on the evening of 19/7. An adult in the group then decided to swim in the river. "That's when the tragedy occurred," Balzer stated.

As this person struggled in the water, two others immediately rushed in to help but also found themselves in danger. Subsequently, another two individuals entered the river to rescue them, leading to all five people becoming distressed.

According to Balzer, among the victims were two married couples. The incident remains under investigation.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office has not yet released the victims' identities, pending notification of next of kin. Two children under 10 years old who were with the group have been placed in the care of child protective services.

By Huyen Le (According to ABC News, Guardian)