AP Exclusive: A boater's photo may be 'the last picture' of group drowned in an Ohio river

Summary by The San Antonio Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Julie Carr Smyth And Patrick Aftoora-Orsagos, Associated Press, KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) · July 22, 2026 · 4 min read

Marcus L. Martin felt instant trepidation Sunday when he saw five adults wading thigh- and waist-deep in the Scioto River. A frequent boater on the Ohio waterway, the Baptist pastor knew the area where they were standing to be treacherous. He believes the people he captured in a photo to be the i...

Why this matters in The San Antonio

San Antonio residents who enjoy water activities on the city's own rivers and lakes may be prompted to review safety guidelines after hearing about the tragic events in Ohio. The Scioto River's steep slopes and quick drop-offs are a reminder that even familiar bodies of water can pose hidden dangers. While San Antonio's waterways have their own unique characteristics, the importance of being aware of potential hazards and taking necessary precautions cannot be overstated. Local authorities and water safety experts may want to reassess their outreach and education efforts to ensure that residents and visitors are informed about the risks associated with swimming and wading in area waterways. Furthermore, the story highlights the value of vigilance and prompt action when witnessing potentially dangerous situations, and the need for clear channels of communication between the public and emergency responders.

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 22, 2026 · Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) · Reading time: 4 min

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This article was first published on July 22, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.

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This story was reported by Julie Carr Smyth And Patrick Aftoora-Orsagos, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards.

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Summary created by	The San Antonio Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed
Original reporting	Julie Carr Smyth And Patrick Aftoora-Orsagos, Associated Press, KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
Original story	Read at the source
Source published	Jul 22, 2026
Indexed here	Jul 22, 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

AP Exclusive: A boater's photo may be 'the last picture' of group drowned in an Ohio river

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