In a tragic turn of events over the weekend in Flint, Michigan, one child has drowned and another is missing after falling into the Flint River. According to ABC12, emergency crews transitioned their search for the second child, an 8-year-old girl, into a "recovery mission" after she was seen in the river near Ballenger Highway and Sunset Drive on the west side of Flint. The unfortunate incidents began with a 7-year-old boy with special needs who wandered off Saturday near Sunset Drive and Bradley Avenue, ultimately leading to his drowning. "We are going to search as long as we can so that we can find this child that is in the river," Flint Fire Chief Theron Wiggins declared, in a statement obtained by ABC12, while crews searched for the second missing child on Sunday.

The search for the 8-year-old commenced around 4 p.m. Sunday, as reported by mlive. Both drownings, taking place in close proximity to one another, spurred local authorities to warn the public of the dangers of the Flint River.

“I am deeply saddened by the death of a precious 7-year-old child who tragically drowned in the Flint River yesterday. In a separate incident, an 8-year-old child fell into the Flint River today, and the search and recovery effort is ongoing. I want to remind our community that playing near the Flint River is dangerous due to hidden debris and strong currents. As the weather warms, I encourage families to be safe while enjoying the natural resources and parks in Flint.” Wiggins advised, highlighting the perils posed by hidden debris and strong currents that make playing near the Flint River risky.

The Mayor of Flint, Sheldon Neeley, also offered his condolences, particularly noting the tragic nature of losing a child.“My deepest sympathies are with the family of the child who died yesterday. There is no greater loss than the loss of a child. As first responders continue to search for a second child who fell into the Flint River today, my thoughts and prayers are with the family of this child as well.” Neeley said, in a statement shared by WNEM.