Cincinnati teen drowns on rafting trip

CEDAR GROVE, Ind. - A Cincinnati teen drowned on the Whitewater River in Franklin County, Ind., Sunday afternoon.

Indiana Conservation Officer Gary Catron says 15-year-old Shontel Wagoner-Dugar was rafting on the river with family and friends when she drowned. The incident happened after the group took a break from rafting and started swimming. The teen went under and didn’t resurface.

After search efforts, the teen’s body was discovered around 2:40 p.m.

Friends say Wagoner-Dugar was going to be a sophomore at Hughes High School where she played basketball and volleyball.

"Although the recent drought conditions have left many of Indiana's rivers and streams with low water levels, drop-offs, deep holes, underwater hazards and current are still a danger and precautions should continue to be taken while swimming or boating," said Catron.

The Franklin County Sheriff's Department, Cedar Grove Fire Dept., New Trenton Fire Dept., Brookville Fire Dept., Dearborn County Water Rescue, Franklin County EMS, Rescue 24, Indiana State Police, Franklin County Coroner and the Indiana Conservation Office all responded to the scene.

Stay with 9 News and WCPO.com for more updates on this story.