Elyria Police and multiple emergency agencies are actively searching the Black River near East Falls Riverwalk after a 16-year-old male reportedly entered the water early this morning and did not resurface.
At a press briefing near the scene, Elyria Police Captain Bill Lantz confirmed that the missing individual is a juvenile and that he was with a 24-year-old man at the time of the incident. Lantz said alcohol is believed to be a factor, and evidence consistent with drinking — including an empty alcohol container — was found at the scene.
Police were contacted early Friday morning by the 24-year-old, who reported the teen had gone into the water. Divers and search crews remain on scene.
A man at the scene, who said he was the father of someone connected to the incident, told Lorain Daily the missing juvenile’s phone last pinged around 5 a.m. This detail has not been confirmed by police. Captain Lantz said only that the cell ping came in “early in the morning.”
Agencies involved in the search include Elyria Police, Elyria Fire and Water Rescue, Avon, Wellington, and other mutual aid departments.
As of publication, the juvenile has not been located. The search remains active, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.