Body of missing girl found in East Fork White River

Note: This story has been updated.

A search for a missing girl in East Fork White River came to a tragic end Thursday morning as her body was found about 80 yards from where she was last seen.

According to Indiana Department of Natural Resources conservation officers, divers found and recovered the girls body in about 10 feet of water at 10:42 a.m. yesterday.

The Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 11-year-old Athena Lyons of Columbus.

She went missing at about 6:39 p.m. Tuesday evening while playing with her family on a sandbar in the river. Authorities say that she waded too far out and was swept away.

Rescue workers searched for her late into the night Tuesday and resumed the search again Wednesday and Thursday morning. Conservation officers say that the search Wednesday included seven boats on the water, aerial and underwater drones, sonar on boats along with surface area searches.

Columbus Mayor Mary Ferdon released a statement today thanking the rescue workers.
She said “The tragedy at Mill Race Park has been incredibly difficult for the family of the child, first responders, and all of the Columbus community.

“The City of Columbus extends its deepest sympathy to all her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege to know her.”

Among the agencies taking part in the search were the Columbus Fire Department, Columbus Police Department, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office, Columbus Township Fire Department, Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department along with conservation officers from DNR.

Ferdon said that there was an outpouring of support for the family and the rescue workers, ranging from words of encouragement, to numerous deliveries of food and water, and the donation of spaces to be used during the search.