CAMDEN, AR — June 17, 2025 — A heartbreaking tragedy has left the Camden community in mourning after a 15-year-old boy tragically drowned Tuesday afternoon at Riverwalk Park, a popular local gathering spot along the Ouachita River.
Authorities responded to an emergency call shortly after 2:30 p.m. reporting a person in distress in the water near the riverbank, not far from the park’s boat launch area. According to the Camden Police Department and Ouachita County emergency responders, the teen had been swimming with friends when he suddenly went under and did not resurface.
Multiple agencies, including the Camden Fire Department and the Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office, joined in a frantic search and recovery operation. Divers located the teen’s body nearly two hours later, downstream from where he was last seen. Despite efforts to resuscitate him at the scene, he was pronounced dead shortly after being pulled from the water.
The identity of the boy has not been officially released pending family notification, but authorities confirmed he was a student at Camden Fairview High School. School officials were informed of the incident and have since released a statement offering condolences and support to the grieving family and classmates.
“This is a devastating loss for our school and the entire Camden community,” said Camden Fairview Superintendent Jennifer Nix. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the student’s family and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time. We will have grief counselors on campus for students and staff in the coming days.”
Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic and emotional response as bystanders attempted to help, while others called 911 and waited anxiously for first responders. Some onlookers reported that the river current appeared deceptively calm but was stronger than usual beneath the surface.
Riverwalk Park, known for its scenic beauty and frequent family outings, has no lifeguards on duty and features limited signage about water safety, raising questions in the aftermath about precautions and public safety awareness.
Camden Mayor Julian Lott expressed deep sorrow following the incident, calling it “a devastating reminder of how fragile life can be.”
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the young man’s family and to all those impacted by this tragic event,” Mayor Lott said in a statement Tuesday evening. “We will be working with local officials to ensure we assess safety protocols at our parks and waterways to prevent future tragedies.”
The Ouachita County Coroner’s Office is conducting an autopsy, which is standard procedure in such incidents. While authorities do not suspect foul play, the investigation remains ongoing.
Residents and community leaders have begun organizing a candlelight vigil to honor the young life lost. The vigil is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday evening at Riverwalk Park, where the community will gather to remember the teen and offer support to his grieving family.
As Camden reels from this sudden loss, many are urging increased education around water safety, particularly for teenagers and youth who frequent the river during summer months.
“Even strong swimmers can be caught off guard by the river’s currents,” said Fire Chief Marcus Randle. “We urge parents and young people alike to exercise extreme caution and to never swim alone or without safety equipment.”
The tragedy has left a hole in the hearts of many in Camden — a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community in times of sorrow. In the days to come, the town will grieve together, support one another, and remember the young boy whose life was cut far too short.