From the Dale County Sheriff's Office

Matt Boster

Viewed: 7813

Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: May 17 2016 7:58 AM

On Sunday, May 15, at approximately 3:40PM  Dale County Deputies were dispatched to  a possible drowning at the Clayhatchee boat ramp on the Choctawhatchee River. As deputies arrived witnesses stated that a (5) year old female and her two siblings were wading in the river when they became distressed and began to be swept away by the current. Bystanders on the beach were able to rescue (2) of the children but the 3^rd child submerged as the bystanders were attempting to rescue her. 

Multiple agencies were called to assist to include Houston and Geneva County Sheriff’s Offices, Clayhatchee Police and Fire Department, Wicksburg Fire Department, Houston County Search and Rescue, Henry County Search and Rescue, Regional Land & Water Rescue, Alabama Department of Conservation Game and Fish Division, Dale County District Attorney’s Office, Dale County EMA, Ozark-Dale County E911, American Red Cross and countless volunteers.

Approximately 11:30PM on Sunday the search was suspended due to unfavorable conditions and reactivated  around 7:00AM this morning. At 1:18PM the victim’s body was recovered approximately 200 yards south of the boat ramp by the Geneva County Sheriff’s Office.

We ask for continued prayers for the victim’s family and all the 1^st responders involved in the search efforts.

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