Search suspended for juvenile who possibly drowned; search to resume Wednesday morning in Madison County

MADISON COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – ABC36 News has learned crews are searching the Kentucky River for a possible drowning victim at Fort Boonesborough State Park in Madison County.

Officials say a juvenile reportedly went under water and did not resurface at Boonesborough Beach.

“All we’re aware of at this time is that he was swimming in the river, they came down to the beach to swim, and his friends have noticed some trouble,” said Captain Jackson Roederer with the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Department.

Officials say a male teen went into the Kentucky River and never resurfaced.
Since then various agencies have joined in the search efforts.

“We actually have crews in the water, using sonar, underwater robots with cameras to try and locate anything further. And we’re also doing lane searches along the bank on each side to gather further information, see what we can find,” added Roederer.

According to authorities, the Boonesborough Beach Area is where the teen is believed to have entered the water.
But according to officials, “it is open the public to be down there, but not for swimming. There’s there is no swimming post,” also added Capt. Roederer.

Officials say the search will continue on Wednesday.

“We want to remain hopeful, of course at all times no matter what, for the best possible outcome. Obviously, with the duration of this incident, things are going to change. And it’s going to affect likelihood and possibilities. But we have no confirmation that he’s not downstream somewhere on the bank. We have no way of knowing where he could be for sure at this time,” he also said.

Captain Roederer says these types of calls are ones they never want to hear.

“We want to show up and everything’s okay. Or we’re able to do something in time. We don’t always get the best outcome, but we trained to push for that as best we can,” he also said.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has taken over the investigation.

This is a developing story, which we will update throughout the evening, as our crews get on the scene to gather more information.

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