Search continues for man missing in Cuyahoga River after 5-year-old's body found
CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio (WJW) – Rescue teams continue to search the Cuyahoga River near Gorge Metro Park for a man who went missing in the water Saturday evening.
Officials said the man and his 5-year-old son capsized while rafting around 7 p.m. amid dangerous river conditions. The child's body was recovered, but the father remains missing.Authorities called it an unspeakable tragedy that is gripping the entire community.
'We currently have three boats in the water,' Cuyahoga Falls Fire Chief Chris Martin said. 'We've had up to five at one time. We have drones in the air, we have dogs helping us and we have the trail system covered as well. Every available asset and resource that we have is being deployed.'
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Martin said search and recovery crews will not stop until the man is found. The search area is very broad and spans miles.
Family members identified the missing man as 27-year-old Patrick Cross. They said his son, Braxton Cross, was the 5-year-old who died. While local officials have not yet officially released the names, a GoFundMe created to support the family has raised more than $20,000.
'We're all grieving in Cuyahoga Falls,' Mayor Don Walters said. 'We're here to support the family any way possible. They've been on scene quite a bit. We're taking care of them the best we can, really. Our heart is hurting right now, and we just want to provide closure to this family.'
In a separate water rescue incident on Sunday, Kent fire officials said 23 people and six dogs needed to be pulled from the river due to similar hazardous conditions. Kent Fire Chief James Samels said a total of 51 people and eight dogs either needed rescue or assistance.
'I am thankful that nobody in Kent was injured more than some scrapes and bruises,' Samels said. 'And I can tell you from speaking to a lot of the people that were pulled out of the river, everyone was very thankful.'
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Due to the ongoing danger, 'Do Not Enter' signs have been posted at kayak access points, and officials are urging the public to avoid the water altogether.
'Stay away from the river,' Samels said. 'Do not get in the river.'
Patrick Cross's family said they are too emotional to speak on camera at this time, but they expressed deep gratitude for the community's support. They said they simply want Patrick to be found.
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