Search resumes for missing 11-year-old on East Fork White River in Columbus

Written from press release

COLUMBUS, Ind. — April 1, 2026

Indiana Conservation Officers resumed their search Wednesday morning for an 11-year-old girl who went missing Tuesday evening on the East Fork of the White River at Mill Race Park, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

First responders were called to the park at about 6:39 p.m. Tuesday for a report of a juvenile who went underwater and did not resurface, DNR said.

Investigators determined the girl and several friends were on a sandbar in the river when she waded too far out and was caught in the current.

Emergency crews from the Columbus Fire Department, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana Conservation Officers searched the water Tuesday night using boats, sonar, and above-water and underwater drones until after dark. The search resumed Wednesday morning.

Additional agencies assisting in the search include the Columbus Police Department, Columbus Township Fire Department, Harrison Township Fire Department and Wayne Township Fire Department.

Indiana Conservation Lt. Angela Goldman said the search remained active Wednesday.

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