Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

350-cfs Flow Triggers Life Preserver Warning, Multi-Agency Rescue

7/21/2026

23 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Sheriff Reports Deaths

Sheriff Jeffrey Balzer reported five deaths in the Scioto River at O'Shaughnessy Reservoir Sunday.
A driver called 911 at 9 p.m. after a child ran onto a road and reported the family in the river, where the two children under ten are in family services custody.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said the river flow was about 350 cubic feet per second, prompting sheriff’s office to urge residents to wear life preservers.

Summary

Sheriff Investigates

Rescue personnel from nine jurisdictions, including fire departments in Delaware, Sunbury, Powell and Columbus, responded to the O’Shaghnessy Reservoir incident.
The reservoir, built in 1925 for drinking water, reaches depths of up to 40 feet where victims were recovered.
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation, is notifying next-of-kin and said no foul play is suspected.

History

Historical Context

The 1937 Ohio River flood, which peaked on Jan 26 1937 and left about one million homeless, spurred President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to launch a massive flood-control program that later reduced damages estimated at $250 million. Today, the sudden surge at the aging O’Shaghnessy Reservoir echoes that disaster, highlighting the need for modern flood-control measures.

1 of 3

Sheriff Reports Deaths

Sheriff Jeffrey Balzer reported five deaths in the Scioto River at O'Shaughnessy Reservoir Sunday.
A driver called 911 at 9 p.m. after a child ran onto a road and reported the family in the river, where the two children under ten are in family services custody.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said the river flow was about 350 cubic feet per second, prompting sheriff’s office to urge residents to wear life preservers.

1 / 3