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5 dead in attempt to save a struggling swimmer in an Ohio river, sheriff says
Summary by The San Antonio Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Associated Press , KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 20, 2026
· 2 min read
Five people have died on a river in Ohio after several of them went into the water to help another person who was struggling to swim, authorities said Monday. The group had gathered Sunday along the Scioto River in the Columbus suburb of Powell when one of them went into the river for a swim. “Th...
Story provenance No corrections
Summary created by The San Antonio Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Associated Press, KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 20, 2026 Indexed here Jul 21, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
Every story comes with a passport. How we work · Corrections log
Key takeaway A motorist called 911 after spotting a frightened child with the group who was running along a nearby road to seek help, Balzer said.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The tragic events unfolding in Ohio serve as a stark contrast to the generally calm waters of the San Antonio area, where swimming and water activities are a staple of summer recreation. While the Scioto River's strong currents proved deadly, local waterways like those in Bexar County pose their own set of risks, from rip currents to waterborne illnesses. As San Antonio residents take to the water this summer, the Ohio incident is a sobering reminder to exercise caution and be aware of one's surroundings. The fact that two children under 10 were left orphaned in the Ohio tragedy also highlights the importance of ensuring that young ones are supervised and safe near water. As the community processes this devastating news, it's a timely opportunity for local authorities and water safety advocates to review and reinforce water safety protocols in San Antonio.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 20, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Five people have died on a river in Ohio after several of them went into the water to help another person who was struggling to swim, authorities said Monday. The group had gathered Sunday along the Scioto River in the Columbus suburb of Powell when one of them went into the river for a swim. “Th...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 20, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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