Real Voices
Louisville teen 13-year-old Derrick Saunders Jr. drowns in Ohio River
13-year-old Derrick Saunders Jr. tragically drowned in the Ohio River while swimming with family in Louisville; the community mourns his loss.
Tragedy struck as 13-year-old Derrick Saunders Jr., drowned in the Ohio River in Louisville, Kentucky.
Louisville teen drowns on the Ohio River
On Monday, June 23, Derrick was swimming with his twin sister and family when a strong current pulled him under. The others made it out safely. Unfortunately, Derrick did not.
Rescue teams searched for two days. They found his body about a mile downstream on Wednesday, June 24.
Derrick’s mother, Lakesha Saunders, shared her heartbreak: “Between surgeries I tried to love him to life. And I got to keep him for another 13 years.”
Remembering Derrick Saunders Jr
Derrick was known for his humor and kindness. He was the only boy in a house full of girls. “He looked out for us,” his mother said.
The community has raised funds to support the family. A memorial was held at the riverbank. Balloons were released in Derrick’s honor.
His mother urges parents to choose safer places to swim. “Go where there’s a lifeguard,” she said. “It doesn’t have to feel dangerous to be dangerous.”
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