Authorities intensify their search for a missing 6-year-old girl presumed dead after falling into Michigan's Flint River, just a day after a 7-year-old boy with special needs tragically drowned in the same waters.
Find Missing 6-Year-Old Girl
Tragedy struck Michigan's Flint River over the weekend as a 7-year-old child drowned, and authorities are now searching for a second child presumed dead after falling into the river the following day.
The initial incident involved a 7-year-old boy with special needs who wandered away and tragically drowned in the Flint River on Saturday, according to Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson's statement.
The subsequent day saw another heartbreaking event when a 6-year-old girl wandered off and was later spotted in the river, as confirmed by the sheriff on Wednesday afternoon. Notably, there was an earlier, erroneous age announcement by the sheriff's office regarding the girl.
Sheriff Swanson expressed the sobering reality of consecutive child drownings within a 24-hour timeframe along the same river but in different parts of the city, both resulting in fatalities. This somber sentiment was echoed by Flint Fire Chief Theron Wiggins, who conveyed deep sorrow over the loss of the 7-year-old child on Saturday.
Wiggins also took the opportunity to caution the community about the dangers of playing near the Flint River, citing hidden debris and strong currents as significant risks. He urged families to prioritize safety, especially with the warmer weather beckoning outdoor activities in Flint's natural resources and parks.
Michigan's Flint River Drownings
Swanson recounted the events involving the 6-year-old girl, who was accompanied by a 9-year-old, as they wandered away from home around 5:15 p.m. on Sunday.
Describing the river's terrain, he explained the 40-degree angled cement banks extending about 30 feet into the water, where both children slid into the river. Fortunately, the 9-year-old managed to climb out, but the focus remains on locating the missing 6-year-old.
Upon initial observation by authorities, the river's swift flow of five to eight miles per hour and murky appearance presented challenges. Subsequently, as search efforts intensified, it became evident that the situation had shifted from a rescue to a recovery operation.
In response, a substantial team of 75 to 100 personnel and volunteers per day, including specialized dive teams from southeastern Michigan counties, has been deployed.
Swanson highlighted the use of advanced technology and strategic measures, such as lowering the river level by 18 inches through the closure of two upstream dams, to aid in the search.
Highlighting the river's inherent dangers, including hidden hazards like trees and strong currents, Swanson emphasized the complexity of the search operation.
He noted the presence of water under the riverbanks, creating areas where a body could come to rest, further complicating recovery efforts. And added, "one of our sergeants actually saw the victim yesterday, distant with a little pink shirt, so we knew that this was the starting point."
In a candid Facebook video, Swanson reflected on the emotional weight of facing two drownings in a single weekend. He urged viewers to cherish their loved ones, underscoring the importance of family bonds in times of tragedy.
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