News

Athens County Sheriff Pat Kelly says an elderly couple was trying to make their way home late Friday night in Athens County.

 

William Cantrell told deputies he stopped his car on Linscott Run Road in Amesville just before midnight after realizing there was high water ahead. 

 

As they waited, he said, his wife, Barbara, felt water at her feet.

 

Cantrell decided to back up the car but it wouldn't start. 

 

So he and his wife got out and tried to walk to higher ground. 

 

74-year-old Barbara Cantrell had to use a walker because of recent hip surgery.

 

Cantrell said they both slipped and fell. 

 

He tried to hold onto his wife but the fast-rising water swept her away.

 

An Athens County dive team searched for the woman.

 

The Amesville Fire Department found her body at 6:45 am Saturday about half a mile from the couple's car.