Tragedy on the Cuyahoga River: Community Mourns Loss of 5-Year-Old as Search Continues for Missing Father in Cuyahoga Falls Tubing Accident
CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — A heart-wrenching tragedy has struck the community of Cuyahoga Falls following a devastating tubing accident on the Cuyahoga River that claimed the life of a five-year-old boy and left his father still missing as of Sunday evening.
The incident occurred just before 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, near Broad Boulevard, when an inflatable inner tube carrying the man and his young son overturned in the river’s dangerously high and swift currents. Witnesses reported the pair vanished beneath the water, prompting an immediate and intense multi-agency search and rescue operation.
Despite the efforts of emergency responders from across the region, the body of the five-year-old boy was recovered from the water on Sunday. The City of Cuyahoga Falls confirmed the recovery in a statement posted to Facebook and extended its deepest sympathies to the grieving family. The name of the child has not yet been publicly released by authorities, out of respect for the family and ongoing efforts.
“Earlier today, the body of a child was recovered,” the city’s statement read. “The search for the missing adult male continued throughout the day and remains active. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones during this tragic time.”
Authorities from multiple jurisdictions, including the Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office, local fire and police departments, and state rescue teams, have been working in coordination under perilous conditions. Search operations were temporarily suspended overnight due to limited visibility and hazardous water levels resulting from recent heavy rainfall. Officials noted that these challenging conditions have made every phase of the operation extremely complex and dangerous.
Boats, trained dive teams, aerial drones, and a helicopter equipped with infrared technology have all been deployed in the effort to locate the missing father, who has yet to be named by officials. Rescue crews have reaffirmed their commitment to bringing closure to the family.
“Mobilization for each day requires significant coordination and planning,” the city noted. “We are fully committed to locating and recovering the missing man.”
In response to the tragedy, the public has been asked to stay away from the Cuyahoga River and the Gorge Metro Park, as floodwaters have rendered many areas inaccessible and extremely hazardous.
The emotional toll on the community has been profound. In support of the grieving family, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to help cover costs related to the accident and assist with the wellbeing of those left behind.
“All funds raised will go directly to the wellbeing of these two survivors and any costs that stem from this absolute disaster,” read the campaign summary.
Neighbors, friends, and strangers alike have flooded social media with words of condolence and solidarity, holding space for a family that has experienced unimaginable loss. In parks and neighborhoods around Cuyahoga Falls, candles and flowers have begun to appear in quiet memorials for a life lost far too soon.
As the search continues, the community remains united in hope, prayer, and mourning—grappling with the fragility of life and the devastating force of nature. For now, hearts are heavy in Cuyahoga Falls, as rescue crews fight against time and the river’s unforgiving current to bring one father home.