Paddleboarders missing in Virginia after group goes over dam, police say – Henry Club

Two women missing in Virginia A Memorial Day gathering on the James River took a turn for the worse.

Lauren E. Winstead, 23, of Henrico County, and Sarah E. Erve, 28, of Chesterfield County, were listed as missing. Henrico County Police Local news channel WAVY-TV 10 reports, following a rescue effort near the Bowser Dam in Richmond.

The Richmond Fire Department said during a press conference Monday evening that a group of 12 people were on rafts and paddleboards as they went over the dam. Officials said one person managed to eject himself safely and nine others were rescued by civic caretakers.

Officials said two women are still missing.

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Assistant Fire Chief Jeffrey Sehgal said, “After a very thorough search this evening, we called off the operation this evening due to nightfall. We will begin our search efforts tomorrow morning, first thing in the morning.”

Rescue work resumed at 7 am on Tuesday but the women are missing.

According to the report, the emergency team will start my search again Wednesday at 7 am.

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Finn Gardner, a resident who lives near the location of the group’s fall, told WWBT that she was glad they were able to help the group and hoped the other two women would be found.

“So, we ran out there, and we were trying to help get people out of the water and make sure everyone was accounted for… Unfortunately, we couldn’t find them both. There are,” Gardner said. “I hope they are somewhere in the house of someone who is trying to find a way to contact their group. You have to hope for the best.”

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Henrico Police are urging residents to avoid the area and contact them with any information Regarding missing women.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.