In a devastating incident, a mother and her 5-year-old daughter lost their lives after being swept away by the waters of the Shetucket River in Sprague, Connecticut.
The victims were identified as Kelly Dora, 39, and her daughter, Aralye McKeever, residents of Norwich. Connecticut State Police reported the heart-wrenching news on Wednesday.
The incident unfolded on Tuesday, a little before 5:30 p.m. ET when Kelly Dora and Aralye McKeever were reported “lost” near the Shetucket River.
Swift action was taken by state troopers and first responders who immediately launched a search for the missing pair through the river.
After an intense search operation, both mother and child were found in the river. Rescue crews promptly initiated lifesaving efforts on-site before rushing them to a local hospital by ambulance.
Despite their valiant efforts, Kelly Dora was pronounced dead at the hospital. Tragically, Aralye McKeever was taken to the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford, where she succumbed to her injuries and passed away on Wednesday.
Preliminary investigations have not suggested any foul play in this heart-wrenching incident.
Connecticut State Police will be conducting a thorough examination to determine the cause and manner of their untimely deaths.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will also play a crucial role in the investigation as it seeks to shed light on the circumstances that led to this tragic loss of life.
In the wake of this tragic event, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) issued a separate news release, urging caution and alerting the public to the current flood conditions in various rivers and streams across the state.
They stressed the importance of avoiding swimming in rivers, or near flooded waterbodies due to the high waters, swift currents, and the presence of moving debris, which can pose significant dangers.
Paul Copleman, media relations manager for DEEP, emphasized the importance of adhering to safety guidelines during such weather conditions.
While it remains unclear whether the Shetucket River was flooded at the time of the incident, this tragic event underscores the need for vigilance and awareness of natural hazards.
The entire community is deeply saddened by the loss of Kelly Dora and her young daughter Aralye McKeever in the Connecticut river.
As investigations continue, authorities and local communities are coming together to support the grieving family during this difficult time.
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The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of staying informed about weather conditions and potential risks in the vicinity of water bodies.
As the community mourns the loss of two precious lives, they unite in a collective call for vigilance and safety to prevent further tragedies of this nature.
