Police, firefighters respond to report of body in Great Miami River in Dayton

Dayton firefighters and police responded to the Great Miami River near the West Monument Avenue bridge for a report of a body in the water on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. BRYANT BILLING / STAFF

Dayton firefighters and police responded to the Great Miami River near the West Monument Avenue bridge for a report of a body in the water on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. BRYANT BILLING / STAFF

Dayton police and firefighters responded to the Great Miami River Monday afternoon for a possible body in the water.

It has not been confirmed if there is a body in the river, according to Montgomery County Regional Dispatch.

Crews responded for a possible water recovery near the West Monument Avenue bridge.

A person on the West Monument Avenue bridge called 911 and said it appeared a body was in the river, according to dispatch records.

“I’m walking across the bridge and I’m looking out at the water and I do believe it’s a body right here,” the caller said.

They said the body was in the middle of the river and not moving.

It’s not clear if it’s related to a missing girl and man whose family vehicle was found nearby in the parking lot near Code Credit Unit at 335 W. Monument Ave.

Scarlibeth Garcia Montes and Oscar Garcia were last seen around 5:45 a.m. Thursday.

Dayton police said crews found a child’s shoes, socks, keys, a tablet and a cellphone near the Great Miami River.

On Friday Lt. Randy Beane said there was no evidence Garcia Montes and Garcia were in the water.

We will update this story as more information is available.

About the Author