Dad Recalls Last Conversation He Had with Daughter Before She Died Trying to Save Struggling Swimmer

Authorities continue to investigate a tragic incident that resulted in multiple fatalities in the Scioto River in Powell, Ohio, on 19 July. Five people lost their lives while attempting to rescue a struggling swimmer, an event that has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond.

Among the victims was Carmen Herrera, a Honduran citizen who had just celebrated her birthday on 15 July. On the day prior to the tragedy, her father, Juan Antonio Herrera, spoke with her, unaware that it would be their last conversation. He told the Honduran publication Tiempo that the news of her death, relayed to him by another daughter in the United States, was profoundly distressing.

Alongside Carmen, three other individuals also from Honduras were identified as victims. Miguel Angel Guerra, Jose Mario Pineda Dias, 33, and his 28-year-old wife, Marina Suyapa Regalado, were pronounced dead following their valiant yet fatal attempts to save the swimmer. The fifth victim remains unnamed as investigations proceed.

As the evening unfolded on 19 July, a group of five adults and two children reportedly gathered near the Scioto River to enjoy a summer outing that included fishing. As the night progressed, it appears that one individual entered the water to swim but encountered difficulties. Witnesses claim that this prompted his companions to jump in to assist, ultimately leading to a series of tragic drownings.

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office received an emergency call around 9 p.m. when a distressed child was spotted requesting help from passing motorists. Sheriff Jeffrey Balzer explained that the child informed a passerby that family members were in the water, kickstarting a search operation for the missing adults.

Authorities were able to recover two bodies on the evening of 19 July, both of which were subsequently pronounced dead at local hospitals. The remaining three victims were found the following day in a search that involved emergency services and local volunteers.

In an emotional dialogue with Tiempo, Juan Antonio Herrera revealed that he attempted to reach Carmen during his Sunday church visit but was unable to connect with her. He recounted that the last time he managed to call her was at 7 p.m. on that fateful day, only to receive no response.

The eventual confirmation of Carmen’s death has left her family devastated, particularly for Juan, who is grappling with the loss of his daughter. The Honduran consular authorities have indicated that once all victims are identified, they will initiate the process for repatriating the bodies to their homeland, a step that many families are anxiously awaiting.

Meanwhile, the two children, aged six and seven, who were part of the outing, are currently under the care of family services as efforts are made to reunite them with relatives. The community continues to offer support and condolences as they mourn the loss of five lives in such tragic circumstances.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities committed to uncovering the details surrounding this heart-wrenching incident. The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office has yet to release further information as they delve deeper into the events that transpired that evening. The Honduran Embassy in the U.S. has also been contacted for additional comment, although they have not responded at this time.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with water activities, particularly in situations where individuals attempt to assist others in peril. As the community reflects on this tragedy, the focus remains on ensuring the well-being of the surviving family members and providing support during this difficult time.