A heartbreaking call rang out for a man who was swept away by the current in Ohio Brush Creek in McDermott just after 7 pm on Sunday evening.
The Portsmouth Fire Department sent out its Water Rescue Team. Scioto County Sheriff’s Office and Rush and Union Volunteer Fire Departments also responded.
Initial reports indicate a 40-year-old male had slipped on a log and was taken by the current.
Water rescue team members attempted to locate a launch point several times. The Rush Fire Department announced a launch. Another access point was reported near Colley Road by a resident.
Portsmouth Police Chief Debby Brewer sent members of her department to assist with their drone.
The units on the ground still had not located the male by 8 pm.
Update:
At 8:36 pm, 2 members of the Portsmouth Police Department arrived on the scene and launched their drone to assist the crews in the recovery effort.
At 8:41, it was reported that the male was located. Tragically, he was declared deceased. The Scioto County Coroner was notified to respond to the scene.
Scioto County Detectives were advised by deputies on the scene that foul play was not suspected.
The victim reportedly possessed an Indiana identification. The name of the victim has not been released pending proper notifications to the family.
SCDN will update this article once an official statement is made by the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office.
