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'The last picture': A passing boater's photograph may be the 5 adults who drowned in Ohio
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
· 3 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...
Story provenance No corrections
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
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Key takeaway “I just remember being taught that area was kind of dangerous, in the sense of there being steep slopes” and a quick drop-off into the river, he told The Associated Press.
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: 3 min
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? 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...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 22, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? 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 .
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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