Crews have resumed their search and rescue operation after a 9-year-old child went into the Duck River but never came out of the water.
According to Bedford County Sheriff Austin Swing, a pair brothers were playing in the water right below the dam. They had some trouble getting out of the water.
A bystander nearby was able to pull one of the boys out, but his brother has not yet been found. Family members confirmed that his name is Dreyton Sims.
Confirmed: the missing boy is 9-year-old Dreyton Sims. He was swept away while playing in the Duck River in Shelbyville yesterday. pic.twitter.com/JlatUSX4a2
— Sophie N-K (@SophieNC5) July 5, 2017
Crews have searched about a quarter of a mile to half a mile of the river near where the boy went missing. However, officials called off their search efforts for the night and resumed Wednesday morning.
Agencies from Bedford County and Coffee counties responded to the scene.
The river has been rising because of water being let out of Normandy dam, which officials said has not helped conditions on the water.
Here's what the Duck River looks like just past the dam at Fisherman's Park this morning. pic.twitter.com/ohgYWmlhwu
— Sophie N-K (@SophieNC5) July 5, 2017
Sheriff Swing urged the public to stay out of the water, saying it is just too swift and dangerous for people to be in.
This was the second rescue on the Duck River Tuesday. The first was the rescue of two children and their mother who were kayaking, but all of them were safely brought from the water.
A vigil has been set for 7 p.m. Wednesday p.m. at the Old Regions Bank parking lot off the square. The public has been encouraged to come out and show its support.
