13-year-old girl drowns in Ohio River near Weirton

WEIRTON, W.Va. (WTRF) — A 13-year-old girl from Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, drowned Monday evening after being swept away by the current while swimming in the Ohio River near the Veterans Memorial Bridge.

According to the Weirton Police Department, the Brooke County 911 Center received an emergency call at 6:55 p.m. on June 30 reporting that the juvenile had been pulled under by the current while swimming with family members.

Officer Adam Mortimer responded within minutes and entered the river in an effort to rescue the girl.

Officials say he was able to bring her back to shore, where life-saving measures were immediately initiated by police, EMS personnel, and members of the Weirton Fire Department.

Despite the efforts of first responders, the girl was transported to Weirton Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead.

The Weirton Police Department was assisted on the scene by the Weirton Fire Department and Hancock County Ambulance Service.

The girl’s identity is being withheld pending notification of extended family.