Jose Mario Pineda Dias and four other adults drowned in the Scioto River while attempting to rescue one another from fast-moving water.

Jose Mario Pineda Dias and his wife, Marina Suyapa Regalado, were among five adults who drowned in the Scioto River over the weekend while fishing near the O’Shaughnessy Reservoir. Authorities reported that the group was wading in the water when one adult began to struggle, prompting the others to jump in to help. All five were eventually swept under by the current. Honduran officials confirmed that four of the five victims were Honduran citizens, including another married couple whose names are pending. The group left behind two orphaned children, ages 8 and 10, who are currently in the care of the state of Ohio. A relative, Brenda Raya, has launched an online fundraiser to cover funeral costs and support the children. The tragedy occurred despite the river appearing calm on the surface. Lt. Heather Byers of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources noted that rivers can be deceptively deep and fast, often sweeping swimmers away unexpectedly.

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