NEW FRANKLIN, Ohio — The New Franklin Fire Department conducted a water rescue early Thursday morning for a vehicle in the water at the Portage Lakes State Park Boat Ramps.

What You Need To Know

  • A call came in at 5:35 a.m. and the South Summit Water Rescue Team responded

  • Divers found one victim in the vehicle who they pulled out and began conducting resuscitative measures

  • The person was taken to Summa Barberton Hospital where they passed away
  •  ODNR is handling the investigation
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A call came in at 5:35 a.m. and the South Summit Water Rescue Team, consisting of members from New Franklin Fire, Coventry Township Fire, Green Fire, Springfield Fire and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, responded. 

At 6:10 a.m. divers found one victim in the vehicle who they pulled out and began conducting resuscitative measures. 

The person was taken to Summa Barberton Hospital, where they passed away. Their name is being withheld pending proper identification and notification to the family.

Officials continued to check the area with divers and sonar but found no other victims.

New Franklin Police and officers from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) assisted with the situation. ODNR is handling the investigation.