Housatonic River Tragedy: Body of 6-Year-Old Stratford Boy Recovered After Two-Day Search
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On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., a 6-year-old boy fell into the Housatonic River from the Birdseye Street Boat Ramp in Stratford. He was accompanied by his mother at the time. A nearby United Illuminating employee immediately jumped into the river in a valiant attempt to save him, but the effort was unsuccessful.
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Rescue operations quickly escalated into a massive multi-agency search, involving Stratford, Bridgeport, Fairfield, Westport, Shelton, Trumbull, Guilford, Monroe, Connecticut State Police, and the U.S. Coast Guard. The search included boats, helicopters, dive teams, drones, and cadaver dogs.
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However, the search was challenged by strong tidal currents, murky water, and rapidly changing conditions—a result of the river being influenced by dams and hydroelectric infrastructure—making rescue operations extremely difficult.
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After about 24 hours of exhaustive searching, surface efforts by the Coast Guard were suspended, while divers and subsurface teams continued until conditions forced a complete halt.
Recovery of the Child’s Body
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On Friday afternoon, August 8, 2025, civilian boaters discovered the body of the missing boy about half a mile south of the site where he had fallen in. The child remains were retrieved from the water by marine units from Stratford and Bridgeport.
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The remains were taken to the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. Authorities confirmed that the family was notified by police and fire officials.
Context & River Hazards
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The Housatonic River is known for its treacherous undercurrents, especially near areas influenced by dams and hydro facilities. Local officials have noted that once submerged, swimmers can be pulled under like “a washing machine,” making rescue fast and recovery even more challenging.
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Since 2021, nearly 50 drownings have occurred along the river. Recent incidents involved other fatalities, including another child, underscoring the river’s ongoing dangers despite being a popular recreation zone.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Wednesday, August 6, 2025, ~1:30 p.m. |
| Location | Birdseye Street Boat Ramp, Stratford, CT |
| Incident | 6-year-old fell into Housatonic River; rescue attempt failed |
| Response | Extensive multi-agency search involving boats, divers, helicopters |
| Challenges | Strong tidal currents, murky water, complex river conditions |
| Recovery | Body found Friday (~2 p.m.) half a mile downstream by civilian boaters |
| Next Steps | Autopsy pending; officials notified family |
| River Risk Context | High danger from undercurrents; nearly 50 drownings since 2021 |
This heart-rending event highlights not only the perils lurking in seemingly calm waters but also the emotional toll on families and communities when tragedies strike unexpectedly.