Woman Dies After SUV Plunges into Ohio River in Suspected Suicide

Authorities confirm the incident as an apparent suicide after a six-hour rescue effort in Cincinnati.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 1:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A woman died after her SUV entered the Ohio River in what the Hamilton County Coroner's Office has confirmed as an apparent suicide. The vehicle was recovered around 11 p.m. after a challenging six-hour rescue operation involving multiple dive teams, with the bitter cold temperatures and poor visibility posing significant obstacles.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the need for greater mental health resources and suicide prevention efforts in the community. The loss of life is devastating, and the circumstances surrounding the event raise concerns about public safety and the ability of first responders to effectively handle such emergencies.

The details

According to police, the white SUV entered the river from a ramp on Broadway Street in Cincinnati around 5:04 p.m. on Wednesday. Witnesses and camera footage confirmed the vehicle's descent into the water. The rescue operation, led by the Cincinnati Police Department, involved multiple dive teams who worked for six hours in the bitter cold and poor visibility to eventually recover the submerged vehicle around 11 p.m.

  • The incident occurred around 5:04 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2026.
  • The vehicle was recovered around 11 p.m. the same evening after a six-hour rescue effort.

The players

Hamilton County Coroner's Office

The local government agency responsible for investigating the cause and manner of deaths in Hamilton County, Ohio.

Lt. Jerome Herring

A lieutenant with the Cincinnati Police Department who provided a statement about the challenges faced during the rescue operation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It depends on visibility and the officer's ability to get into the water.”

— Lt. Jerome Herring, Cincinnati Police Department

What’s next

The incident continues to be investigated by the authorities to determine the full circumstances surrounding the woman's death.

The takeaway

This tragic event underscores the importance of addressing mental health issues and improving suicide prevention measures in the community. It also highlights the challenges faced by first responders in conducting rescue operations in hazardous conditions, emphasizing the need for continued training and resources to ensure the safety of both the public and emergency personnel.