Police: Body of 1 of 2 missing women found in Virginia river

RICHMOND, Va. — Search groups in Virginia have discovered the physique of certainly one of two ladies lacking for days after a dozen folks on rafts and paddleboards went over a dam on the James River, police mentioned.

The physique of Lauren Winstead, 23, of Henrico County was discovered simply west of the Powhite Parkway Bridge on Wednesday afternoon, Henrico County Police tweeted. The seek for Sarah Erway, 28, of Chesterfield County is constant, however will transition from a search and rescue mission to a restoration operation, police mentioned.

The pair went lacking Monday afternoon after going over the Bosher Dam with 10 companions throughout a float journey with paddleboards and inflatable rafts. The others additionally plunged over the dam, however have been rescued or made it to security on their very own, information retailers reported. Photographs of the search confirmed the river seemingly placid above the dam, however roiling under, with a few of the group’s paddleboards and inflatable rafts caught within the currents under the frenzy of water.

The Nationwide Climate Service recorded water ranges on the river at over 9 ft (2.7 meters) by 3 p.m. Monday. Water ranges above 6 ft (1.8 meters) are deemed too excessive for common paddlers to navigate as a result of highly effective currents.

Richmond Fireplace battalion chief Robert Maass mentioned the search has been very difficult for crews.

“The river stage has gone down, which definitely helps within the search, nevertheless it’s nonetheless at an elevated stage, which makes looking out troublesome,” he defined. “The water’s churned up. The water’s nasty. There’s lots of mud and grime within the water in addition to particles, which makes the search troublesome.”