Boy Dies After Falling into Swollen Provo River in Utah

A 12-year-old boy from Arizona has died after falling into the swift-moving Provo River in Utah while vacationing with his family near Bridal Veil Falls.

A tragic incident has occurred in Utah, leaving a family mourning the loss of their beloved son. A 12-year-old boy from Arizona has sadly passed away after falling into the swollen Provo River while vacationing with his family.

According to the Utah County Sheriff's Office, the incident unfolded on Saturday afternoon around 1:45 p.m. The child and his family were enjoying the scenic surroundings near Bridal Veil Falls when the boy slipped into the raging river.

The Provo River, swollen by recent rainfall, was flowing rapidly, posing a significant hazard. Multiple agencies, including the sheriff's office, responded to the emergency and launched a search operation.

Rescuers spotted the boy at various points along the river, but the swift currents made it challenging to approach him. One rescuer attempted to jump into the water to reach the child but was unsuccessful.

The high water levels, estimated to be moving at speeds of 10 to 12 mph, carried the boy downstream for several miles. He was eventually pulled out of the river near Orem, approximately 4 miles from the point where he fell in.

Despite initial efforts to revive the child, he was pronounced dead at a local hospital. His identity has not yet been released.

Officials have issued warnings to residents and visitors about the current high water levels of the Provo River. The Provo Police Department has advised people to stay at least 40 feet away from the riverbanks to avoid any potential hazards.

The Provo River, which originates in the Wasatch Mountains, has been running at an unusually high flow rate due to recent precipitation. The Bureau of Reclamation has declared an "Emergency Level 1" alert regarding the elevated water levels coming out of Deer Creek Dam.

Hiking and recreational activities near the river should be avoided until the flow returns to normal. Visitors are urged to consider alternative locations for outdoor activities to ensure their safety.

The child's death serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of water safety, especially during periods of high water levels. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of the young boy who lost his life in this heartbreaking incident.