Divers searching Ouachita River for teen’s body


A 17 year old boy is presumed dead after being seen struggling in the Ouachita River early Sunday afternoon, Camden Police Chief Boyd Woody said.

He declined to share the boy's name.

The Camden Police and Fire departments responded Sunday around 5 p.m. to a report of a "person in distress" in the Ouachita River, near the River Walk. Upon arrival, officers saw one person "in obvious distress" about 100 yards from the river bank.

The CFD launched rescue boats immediately, and with help from local residents, began searching the river.

A team of 12 divers utilizing sonar (sound navigation and ranging) from the Miller County Office of Emergency Management of Miller County also joined in the search.

Around 4 a.m. Monday, the search was called off until daylight.

The Camden Fire Department, along with Arkansas Game and Fish dive team, resumed an active search of the river Monday morning. The Camden Police Department and City of Camden Public Works are working on logistics and assisting in the search, according to a press release.

"The City of Camden would like to thank Pastor Reese Broadnax, Pastor Johnny Hobbie and Pastor Beth Waldrup for standing vigil with the family and supporting all on the scene through the night and morning," the release states.

The Ouachita River was at 29 feet high early Sunday afternoon, and the Thatcher Lock and Dam was closed to navigation due to high river levels on Friday.

County Judge Robert McAdoo said in a Facebook post, "I have a heart of prayer this morning for a family and all people associated with the family in the Community. Fervent prayers for all."

Woody noted that witnesses were present when the boy was struggling in the river, but said they did not require emergency assistance.

"Earlier this evening, Camden Fairview School District administrators were informed of an accident involving a CFHS student that occurred this afternoon at the Camden River Walk. Our thoughts and prayers are with the student's family, friends, and school community. Extra counselors will be available at CFHS for all students and staff beginning tomorrow and continuing as needed," a statement from the CFSD states.

Woody said recovery efforts will continue until the body is found.


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