Body of Woman Recovered After SUV Enters Ohio River

Emergency crews pulled the vehicle from the icy waters after a reported suicide incident.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:23am

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Emergency crews in Cincinnati recovered the body of a 39-year-old woman after her SUV entered the Ohio River on Wednesday evening. According to authorities, the woman died by suicide, and her vehicle was pulled from the river around 11 p.m. after an extensive search and rescue operation involving multiple agencies.

Why it matters

Incidents of self-harm and suicide attempts are tragic events that impact local communities. This case highlights the importance of mental health resources and crisis intervention services to help prevent such tragedies.

The details

Cincinnati Police Lt. Jerome Herring said the woman's SUV entered the river from a loading dock near the Cincinnati Public Landing around 5 p.m. Emergency crews from several agencies, including Cincinnati police and fire, Boone County Water Rescue, and the Hamilton County Police Association Underwater Search and Recovery Unit, were on scene conducting search and rescue operations until the vehicle was recovered around 11 p.m.

  • The woman's SUV entered the Ohio River around 5 p.m. on January 28, 2026.
  • The vehicle was pulled from the river around 11 p.m. on January 28, 2026.

The players

Jerome Herring

A lieutenant with the Cincinnati Police Department.

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What they’re saying

“Emergency crews from several agencies, including Cincinnati police and fire, Boone County Water Rescue, and the Hamilton County Police Association Underwater Search and Recovery Unit, were on scene conducting search and rescue operations.”

— Jerome Herring, Cincinnati Police Lieutenant

What’s next

The Hamilton County Coroner's Office will continue to investigate the incident and determine the official cause of death.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for greater mental health awareness and access to crisis intervention services in the community to help prevent such devastating outcomes.