Teenager drowns in Meramec River during family outing

BALLWIN, Mo. -- A 15-year-old boy drowned Sunday in the Meramec River during a family outing.

Isaiah Green was swimming in the river around 3 p.m. at Castlewood State Park in St. Louis County when he cried for help, emergency responders said.

The Missouri State Water Patrol reported the boy began slipping on the silty bottom and went under when he tried to remove his water shoes.

Battalion Chief Ed Beirne with Metro West Fire District in Ballwin said six divers and a canine searched for 40 minutes before locating the boy.

Isaiah was visiting family from Brooklyn, N.Y.

Beirne said the river has a strong current, and an irregular bottom littered with trash and debris. He said the river is dangerous for swimming and diving.

In July last year, four siblings and a fifth child drowned in the river during a church picnic.