FREMONT, Ohio — Authorities in Fremont have recovered the body of a 5-year-old girl from the Sandusky River who had been missing since two of her family members were struck and killed by a train in Fremont Sunday evening.
Authorities in Fremont have identified the victims killed by a train Sunday evening as Ram Masan, 50, O Ny Zar, 34, and Intisar Mi, 5.
Fremont Mayor Danny Sanchez said Masan and her daughter, Zar, died after being struck by the train. A 14-month-old who was also struck is in critical condition at a Toledo area hospital.
Monday afternoon, Intisar’s body was recovered from the Sandusky River; she had been missing after her family members were struck by the train.
During a news conference late Monday morning, Sanchez said first responders were focusing on recovery efforts to locate the 5-year-old girl.
Watch the news conference in full:
Her body was found in the river a short time after the news conference.
Multiple agencies, including police and fire departments and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, were focusing on searching the Sandusky River, which flows north to Sandusky Bay. The river is shallow in some points but gets significantly deeper as it winds through the area. Searchers were using boats and drones to try to find the child.
The remaining family, which is visiting Ohio from Fort Wayne, Ind., does not speak English as a first language. First responders are using Google Translate to communicate with them.
Sanchez said the women were walking on a bridge near the Miles Newton Bridge before 8 p.m. on Sunday with the two young children.
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“We currently have search efforts underway for an approximately 5-year-old child who is still believed to be in the Sandusky River, and the approximately 14-month-old child was rescued from the water and has been transferred to a hospital nearby,” Sanchez said on Sunday night.
Sanchez said the family is not believed to be from Fremont, which is located about 25 miles southwest of Sandusky. He said the Sandusky River is known for its fishing, and the river is in its White Bass Run, drawing visitors to the area.
“What started off as a daily fishing trip in Fremont, Ohio, has ended in tragedy,” Sanchez said during the news conference.
First responders believe the 5-year-old wound up in the water:
Crews search Sandusky River for missing child
The four who were struck by the train have approximately 12 to 15 family members in the area, said Sanchez.
“It’s just been a tragic night here in our community,” Sanchez said. “[The bridge is] clearly marked for no trespassing, and it’s never a good idea to walk on train tracks and it’s very unfortunate that this took place.”
When we spoke with Sanchez, two dive teams as well as several law enforcement agencies had already been on scene for hours. They were joined by a drone and an Ohio State Highway Patrol helicopter searching the river from the air.
“We have the first responders that have come here from many nearby communities to be here to help with the search efforts,” Sanchez said Sunday night.
The Federal Railroad Administration sent News 5 this statement: “The Federal Railroad Administration extends our deepest sympathies to those affected by this terrible event. This tragedy is a vivid reminder of the dangers of trespassing on railroad property and we hope this extremely unfortunate occurrence will raise public awareness of such dangers.”
Norfolk Southern issued a statement: “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and our hearts are with those affected, their loved ones, and the community during this difficult time. We are working closely with local authorities on their investigation.”
State Representative Gary Click (R-Vickery) and Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) have offered their prayers and support during this collaborative effort, according to Sanchez.
The search effort just hours after it happened:
Train kills at least 2 pedestrians in Fremont, Ohio
While News 5 reporter Kaylee Olivas and photojournalist Anthony Garcia were on scene on Sunday night, they noticed several non-law enforcement folks searching the banks of the Sandusky River.
Sanchez said while it’s nice having so many hands on deck, it’s best to leave the search to the professionals.
“Obviously, you never want anyone to have to even experience the situation so with the night hours it’s best to leave it to the first responders. They have the equipment. They’re trained. They’re certified. Dive teams are out there,” Sanchez said.
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“We’re going to take every effort that we can to recover this young person,” he said Sunday.
Editor’s note: Authorities previously provided ages for the victims that were found to be incorrect. The ages have been updated to reflect correct information.
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