Emergency crews are continuing a large-scale search along the Cuyahoga River for a man who went missing during a tubing accident Saturday evening. The body of his 5-year-old son was recovered from the river and pronounced dead at the scene, according to a statement issued by the City of Cuyahoga Falls.
The incident occurred shortly before 7 p.m. near the Broad Boulevard area, close to Gorge Metro Park, when the man and child were riding an inflatable inner tube and went under the water.
The Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department responded immediately and launched a coordinated search effort involving multiple agencies, including the Akron Fire Department, Summit County Water Rescue Team, Metro Parks Rangers, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The search has involved rescue boats, trained water personnel, aerial drones, and a patrol helicopter equipped with infrared cameras.
Search efforts were paused around 10 p.m. Saturday due to dangerous river conditions and low visibility but resumed early Sunday morning.
Officials say river levels remain extremely high and several parts of the area are unsafe or inaccessible. The public is being urged to avoid the Gorge Metro Park and surrounding portions of the river while operations continue.
“Our thoughts are with the family during this tragic time,” the city said in its statement. “The Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department, along with our county partners, remain committed to continuing search efforts throughout the day.”
