Accident Database

Report ID# 119635

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  • Flush Drowning
  • PFD Not Worn or Present
  • Does not Apply
  • Inadequate Equipment
  • Inexperience
  • High Water

Accident Description

Don Howdyshell via FB - High water (2300 cfs), inexperienced, no life jackets, missed their takeout, inflatable tubes into the Class 5 waterfalls and jumble rapid. Likely drowning/flush drowning - but unconfirmed. Witnesses and on-site video records I’ve watched first hand shows the individuals did resurface a few times through the rapids before disappearing.
 
By Noelle Haynes and Madeline Harden
Jun. 21, 2025

CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio (WOIO) - A 5-year-old is dead after an inflatable flotation device capsized in the Cuyahoga River in Cuyahoga Falls. Operations are still underway to find the boy’s father.

Brian Smart on FB - Yes, I was there. It’s a recovery mission now. Recreational private floaters with Walmart style pool inflatables got on the river. A family of 4. The wife and older son managed to get out of the river above the falls. The dad and younger child went over the falls, unable to exit the river. No life jackets. It’s a very sad tragedy that could have easily been avoided. People don’t know what they don’t know - and sadly even though many people were warned to stay off the river this weekend, it’s still going to happen.

Nicole Huffman on FB - Please be on the lookout for Patrick & Braxton, my boyfriends brother & his nephew .. my sons uncle and cousin .. yesterday they went tubing down the Cuyahoga falls river in CUYAHOGA FALLS and had a accident where the tubes flipped by the sheraton hotel on front street . His wife and youngest son managed to make it out of the water but Patrick and Braxton went down the Cuyahoga falls river .. so if you are out in the water or walking trails please look out for them . There will be a search party at the Gorge metro park in Cuyahoga falls around 8 am.