On Sunday morning, first responders located the body of a 5-year-old boy who went missing after a raft carrying him and his father capsized on the Cuyahoga River Saturday evening, according to the Akron Fire Department. The father has yet to be found.
The search for the two began around 6:47 p.m. on Saturday, when the Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department was dispatched to the river, south of Broad Boulevard, for a report of a man and a 5-year-old child in the water after their raft overturned, the City of Cuyahoga Falls said.
Upon arrival, fire and rescue initiated a search operation and units deployed both watercraft and ground personnel to assess the scene and locate anyone in distress, the city said.
Just after 7:50 p.m., the Akron Dive Team responded to assist with the search. The Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, Akron Police Department, Summit Metro Parks and the Ohio State Highway Patrol were also requested for mutual aid, the city said.
The boy was recovered just before 9:30 a.m. and pronounced dead at the scene. The child is now in the care of the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office, Akron Fire said.
"Our thoughts are with the family during this tragic time. The Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department, along with our county partners, remain committed to continuing search efforts throughout the day," The City of Cuyahoga Falls said in a statement.
Crews concluded their search Sunday night before 10 p.m. and are scheduled to resume Monday morning at 8 a.m.
The fire department strongly urged the public to avoid the Gorge Metro Park and the surrounding river areas due to extremely hazardous water conditions.
Residents are asked to avoid the Cuyahoga River between Broad Boulevard and Gorge Metro Park, as well as the area of Front Street between E. Cuyahoga Falls Avenue and Hillcrest Drive, due to the search.
News 5 will keep you updated.
