Two rescued from river, but their son still missing
A Little River County man who reportedly fell into the Red River is still missing after Thursday’s search efforts, officials said.
Dugan Ward is missing after his parents were rescued from the swift flood waters of the Red River early Thursday near the Richmond community outside of Ashdown.
Steve and Dee Dee Ward were reportedly found sitting on a gate in the floodwaters of the Red River about 8 a.m. Thursday, according to reports from the Little River County Sheriff’s Department.
The couple’s son is still missing, said Rhonda Green administrative officer for the Little River County Sheriff’s Department.
The initial reports indicate the family launched a boat about 7 p.m. Wednesday to check their property as the floodwaters were rising. All three members of the family were in the boat. Reportedly the boat sank, according to officials.
A family member called the sheriff’s department about 6:25 a.m. Thursday and reported the couple and their son missing.
A helicopter owned by Weldon Garrison was used to search the area where the family launched the boat. Law enforcement agencies have joined the search in swift water.
The searchers heard the mother and father yelling and saw them holding onto a gate in the floodwaters. They were rescued from the river with four wheelers.
“Several boats have been launched with people trained in swift water rescue who have searched down river three or four miles,” said Green.
A command center was established at the intersection of Little River County Roads 21 and 26.
Later, the command center was moved to the Richmond United Methodist Church.
Sheriff Gary Gregory issued a warning to “sightseers” who tried to see the river and watch the rescue efforts.
He said sightseers will be arrested in the Richmond community. There have been reports of people driving into deep water and having to be pulled out in the area.
A second helicopter joined the search late Thursday afternoon, said Don Hale Jr., Little River County emergency services coordinator.
Gregory said the agencies joining the search included the Arkansas State Police, Little River County Emergency Management Services, Richmond Fire Department and the Foreman Fire Department, the sheriff’s department, Arkansas Game & Fish Commission officers and the federal wildlife management agency.