Before most of Pittsburgh was even awake on Wednesday, emergency crews were already working the river. A body was recovered from the Ohio River at the Emsworth Locks and Dams complex early in the morning after a multi-agency response along the shoreline. Authorities have not released the person’s name or cause of death.
According to WPXI, 911 was notified just after 4 a.m., and Pittsburgh River Rescue pulled the body of an unidentified male from the water. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office is set to perform an autopsy and work to identify the person, the outlet reports.
Where The Recovery Happened
The Emsworth Locks and Dams complex sits roughly 6.2 river miles below downtown Pittsburgh and is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps notes that gated dams, steep embankments, and strong currents in this stretch create tricky conditions for anyone working along the shoreline, including during rescues and recoveries.
Why This Stretch Is Dangerous
Local crews have not had much of a break at the locks in recent days. Earlier this week, firefighters carried out a technical shore rescue after an injured fisherman became stuck on a rocky slope near the dam. That call drove home how quickly a seemingly routine trip to the riverbank can turn hazardous in this area.
Investigation Ongoing
Allegheny County police are overseeing the response, and investigators are holding back further details until the autopsy is completed and the person is identified. WPXI reports that the medical examiner will conduct the autopsy and formally identify the individual.
No additional information was available late Wednesday. Authorities say more details will be released after the medical examiner finishes the autopsy.
