CLARK COUNTY, Ill — Update: The Clark County Coroner’s Office has identified the teen who’s body was recovered from the Wabash River on Saturday.
According to Coroner Jeff Pearce, Lex Brown, 15, of Merom died in the incident. An autopsy performed Monday morning confirmed that Brown’s manner of death was drowning.
Original: The body of a 15-year-old was recovered from the Wabash River following an extensive search Saturday.
Officials say at 10:16 a.m. the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and all available emergency response agencies were dispatched to the scene for a juvenile in distress in the Wabash River southeast of West Union, Ill.
According to a Facebook post by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, the juvenile was said to have been playing in the water with several family members and was swept away by the current.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, at 2:05 p.m. CST, after an extensive search, the body of the 15-year-old juvenile from Merom, IN was located.
The Sheriff’s Office gave an update stating their thoughts and prayers are focused on the grieving family and friends affected by the incident.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Illinois State Police Troop 9, Clark County IL E-911, Clark County Ambulance Service, West Union Fire Department, Crawford County Water Rescue, and the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department.
The Clark County Coroner’s Office will follow up on the incident.
Previous update: According to a Facebook post by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, “The Ripple” area reopened at 3:20 p.m. CST Saturday. The post said that additional, limited information from the office will follow after personnel and resources have returned.
Original: Crawford County dispatch confirmed a water search is underway on the Wabash River.
According to Crawford County dispatch, Clark County requested the assistance of the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office Saturday on a report of a water rescue originating in Clark County at an area known as “The Ripple.”
Crawford County search crews entered the river at the Hutsonville, IL boat ramp to aid in the search efforts.
Bystanders in Merom, IN noted a helicopter patrolling up the river.
According to a Facebook post by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, an area around the river East of West Union is closed to the public.
“The Ripple”, an area within and around the Wabash River east of West Union, is currently CLOSED to the public until further notice. There is no active danger to the public however the area is needed for emergency responders. Additional information regarding its reopening will be forthcoming when emergency responders have cleared the area.
Facebook Post by Clark County Sheriff’s Office
This is a developing story. WTWO will provide more information as it becomes available.
