Merom teen drowns in Wabash River

According to the press release posted on Facebook, all available emergency response agencies and personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, it was determined that the juvenile was in the water playing with several family members and had been swept away by the current and was seen sinking. After an extensive search, the 15-year-old minor was found dead around 2:05 p.m. The juvenile was from Merom, Indiana.

The Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Illinois State Police Troop 9, Clark County IL E-911 Ambulance, West Union Fire Department, Crawford County Water Rescue, Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, as well as numerous local individuals with personal boats. We believe there were other first responder agencies miles away to assist.

Additionally, many local residents and businesses provided whatever assistance was needed and requested from all first responder agencies.

We would like to thank all the individuals, organizations and businesses who have gone above and beyond and cooperated in the response, but our thoughts are with the grieving family and friends affected by today's incident. We are proud of the response of so many, but we are deeply saddened by the outcome. We ask that all communities in our region stand with the grieving families and friends, as well as the communities that this incident will undoubtedly affect.

We thank everyone for your continued support as we request area closures or other assistance. This will be the only information we will release at this time as the Clark County Coroner's Office continues to monitor this incident.