A heroic father vanished after saving his wife and 4-year-old son from treacherous Cuyahoga River currents, even as his 5-year-old son, Braxton Cross, tragically perished in the same deadly waters that later endangered more than 50 others.
Key Takeaways
- More than 50 people, including children and six dogs, were rescued from the dangerous Cuyahoga River in a massive three-hour operation by the Kent Fire Department.
- The rescue occurred shortly after a separate tragic incident where 5-year-old Braxton Cross died and his father remains missing after their inflatable capsized.
- The father managed to save his wife and 4-year-old son before disappearing in the turbulent waters near the Portage Trail Bridge.
- Many of those rescued were without lifejackets and had lost control of their rafts and kayaks due to unexpectedly rough currents caused by recent storms.
- Authorities have issued urgent warnings for the public to stay away from the river until conditions improve.
Tragedy Strikes as Family Outing Turns Fatal
The search for a missing father in Ohio’s Cuyahoga River has transitioned to a recovery mission following a devastating accident that claimed the life of his 5-year-old son. The incident occurred on June 21 when the family’s inflatable capsized near the Portage Trail Bridge, throwing them into dangerously swift currents. In a final act of heroism, the father managed to save his wife and 4-year-old son before disappearing beneath the turbulent waters. Tragically, the body of 5-year-old Braxton Cross was recovered the following day, while the search for his father continues with diminishing hopes for a rescue.
“Our heart hurts for the family, we’re here to support them, we’ve been doing everything we can to comfort them and provide closure,” said Cuyahoga Falls Mayor Don Walters.
Massive Rescue Operation Unfolds
Just as the community was reeling from this tragedy, the Kent Fire Department found itself executing an extensive rescue operation on the same river. In a remarkable three-hour effort, first responders rescued 23 people and six dogs who had become stranded in the dangerous waters on June 22. An additional 28 people and two dogs were assisted to safety as they struggled against the powerful current. The rescue effort involved more than four neighboring fire departments and a specialized water rescue team, highlighting the severity of the situation and the river’s treacherous conditions.
“Several [groups] were coming down the river on kayaks and rafts and observed losing control or falling out of their rafts and kayaks due to the current of the river,” the department reported.
Dangerous Conditions Follow Severe Weather
The Kent Fire Department had issued warnings about elevated water levels and rough rapids following severe weather in the region, but not everyone received or heeded these cautions. Many of those rescued were without lifejackets, significantly increasing their risk in the unpredictable waters. Recent storms had caused the river to swell, creating powerful currents that even experienced kayakers found difficult to navigate. The search for the missing father has been complicated by these same conditions, though firefighters report that falling water levels are gradually improving access to previously inaccessible areas.
“Things that were inaccessible yesterday are accessible today. We’ve gone further upriver today, and we have located more high-hazard areas since the water has gone down,” said Cuyahoga Falls firefighter Daniel Pittman.
Authorities Issue Urgent Warning
In the wake of these incidents, local authorities have posted signs and issued urgent warnings about the dangerous river conditions. The fire department is pleading with the public to stay away from the river until conditions improve, emphasizing the unpredictable and powerful nature of the current. The search for the missing father continues with approximately 50 personnel, five boats, drones, and search canines. Multiple agencies, including the Akron Fire Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, have joined forces in this effort, demonstrating the community’s commitment to providing closure for the grieving family.
“We ask that you stay on dry land and simply observe the beauty of the river during these rough conditions rather than risk danger to yourself and others,” the department warned.
