15 year old girl drowns in Licking River After Kayaking Accident
A 15-year-old girl has died following a kayaking accident on the Licking River in Licking County, Ohio, after her family became stranded in dangerous flood conditions, according to local authorities.
The Madison Township Fire Department said emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 3:30 p.m. on May 31 after receiving reports that a family of five was trapped on a large log jam along the river.
Family Stranded on Log Jam During River Emergency
Upon arrival, firefighters located two adults trapped on debris in the river and two additional family members holding onto the log jam roughly one mile east of Staddens Bridge.
Rescue teams immediately entered the water to search for the remaining family member, a 15-year-old girl who had become trapped beneath the logs.
According to officials, strong flood currents and submerged tree branches created extremely hazardous rescue conditions, making recovery efforts difficult.
Rescue Crews Recover Teen from Water
Firefighters eventually located the teenager fully submerged beneath the debris and pulled her from the water at approximately 3:47 p.m.
Emergency medical personnel began CPR at the scene before transporting her to Licking Memorial Hospital.
The remaining adults stranded in the river were safely rescued by approximately 4:04 p.m., according to the fire department.
Teen Pronounced Dead at Hospital
The teenage girl was transported to the hospital in cardiac arrest and was later pronounced dead.
Authorities have not publicly released her identity.
The incident remains under investigation, and officials continue to urge residents to exercise caution around rivers and waterways, especially during periods of high water and flooding.
The tragedy highlights the dangers posed by swollen rivers, strong currents, and natural debris such as log jams, which can quickly become life-threatening obstacles for kayakers and other recreational users.
Emergency responders encourage anyone participating in water activities to monitor weather conditions, wear life jackets, and avoid waterways affected by flooding or rapidly changing currents.