Infant Dies in Champaign County Canoeing Accident

According to a release from the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, a woman called 9-1-1 to report that her child was on her lap when the canoe encountered fallen trees and debris and the infant fell into the water and disappeared.

Crews from several fire agencies put rescue boats in the water and began to search for the boaters and the missing child. 

Additionally, law enforcement officers from Clark County and Ohio Department of Natural Resources also responded to assist in searching the river area. 

The boaters were located in an area of fallen trees and debris approximately ½ mile south of State Route 55 and were pulled to safety.

At around 5:05 Tuesday evening, the child was located and removed from the water.

Efforts to revive the child continued as the child was taken to Mercy Hospital. All life saving efforts were unsuccessful, and the child was pronounced dead at the hospital.

This incident is currently under investigation by the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office.