Several witnesses told investigators Massie was swimming in a pool of the creek just west of the Simon Kenton Recreation Trail bridge when he went under the water and did not come up. One witness tried to save the man but was unable to keep a grasp, police Chief Steve Moody said.
Officials believe that portion of the creek, near the Simon Kenton and Buck Creek trails junction and behind Carleton Davidson Stadium on Mitchell Boulevard, is about 14 feet deep and has rapid current.
“Depth and current do not mix,” said Battalion Chief Kevin Sprinkle with the Springfield Fire Rescue Division.
A Springfield New-Sun reporter witnessed the body being recovered about 5:25 p.m. from a pool of the creek, just before a rocky area built for whitewater kayaking as part of the Eco Sports Corridor through downtown. Rescue crews were dispatched shortly after 4 p.m.
The death comes just three days after the Springfield News-Sun, a Cox Media Group Ohio partner with News Center 7, published an article in which authorities asked residents to take heed of “No swimming” signs posted along the stretch.
Swimming in whitewater areas has become an increased problem for police and the National Trail Parks and Recreation District, CEO LeAnn Castillo said in the June 30 article.
Springfield police have stepped up patrols recently to chase swimmers out of that area and within Snyder Park, Moody said.
There have also been problems with people removing the signs in that area, Castillo said at Tuesday’s scene. One was currently in the center of the creek. A “No swimming” sign was clearly posted on the bridge support in the area where the swimmer went under.
Moody warned others that the area is intended for experienced sport enthusiasts who are kayaking.
“This is clearly a dangerous area. It’s not for recreational swimming,” he said. “The warnings have been met with a tragic result today.”
The Clark County Ohio Underwater Recovery Unit and Box 27 also responded to the scene.
The portion of creek flows from the Clarence J. Brown Reservoir, which is in Buck Creek State Park.
About the Author