The multi-agency search for a 17-year-old teen who walked into the Big Walnut Creek near Academy Park in Gahanna late on Monday night continues.

Mifflin Township Division of Fire, Gahanna Police, Columbus Police and Fire, Franklin County Sheriff’s office and New Albany Police, have all provided resources to search on foot near both banks and low-water areas of the creek and the surrounding area. A Columbus Police helicopter and Gahanna, Columbus and New Albany Police drones have been deployed to assist in the search, surveying the area for any signs of the victim. Due to the continuous high-water levels, rescue boats have not yet been launched, but are expected to join the search as soon as water levels drop.

On Monday evening, emergency services received a report of a missing teen who walked into the water near Academy Park. Despite heavy rain yesterday, emergency personnel scoured the banks and water for signs of the victim. The search resumed early this morning and extends from Academy Park to south of Creekside to the area near the VFW-Tri Community Post 4719.

“As soon as the water is at a safe level, we will launch boats and swimmers to assist with our search efforts,” said Mifflin Township Division of Fire Chief Frederick Kauser. “We continue to work with members of the victim’s family, and we will exhaust every opportunity to recover this young man for them.”

Trails along the Big Walnut Creek continue to be closed due to the dangerously high water in the area where the search is being conducted. The public is urged to stay clear for their safety.