Tragedy at Wood’s Tall Timber Resort: 16-Year-Old Girl Drowns in New Philadelphia Lake
A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded on Sunday, July 14, as a 16-year-old girl lost her life in a drowning incident at Wood’s Tall Timber Resort in New Philadelphia, Ohio.
The Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation and confirmed the details in a statement released Monday evening. Deputies were called to the resort following reports of a possible drowning in the lake on the campground’s property.
According to investigators, the teen had been underwater for several minutes before she was located and pulled from the water. Emergency responders performed lifesaving efforts at the scene and she was quickly transported to Akron Children’s Hospital for further treatment.
Despite all efforts to save her, the Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the young girl succumbed to her injuries and passed away Monday evening. Authorities have not yet released her name out of respect for her family and to allow them time to notify loved ones.
“Our thoughts go out to the family,” said Sheriff Orvis Campbell in a somber statement posted to the sheriff’s office’s social media channels. “We will not be releasing any other information at this time to allow the family the time they need to notify all family members.”
The circumstances leading to the drowning remain under investigation, and officials have not confirmed whether the girl was swimming alone or with others, nor if there were lifeguards on duty at the time.
Wood’s Tall Timber Resort is a popular family destination that offers camping, cabins, and a wide variety of water-based recreational activities, including swimming in its large lake.
Campground guests expressed shock and sadness over the incident. One guest, who was staying with her family for the weekend, described the scene as “absolutely heartbreaking,” noting how quickly joy turned to tragedy. “Everyone was out enjoying the sun, and then suddenly there were sirens and panic. You never expect something like that to happen.”
The resort has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident, and it is unclear whether any changes to safety protocols will be implemented in the wake of the teen’s death.
Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death for children and teens, and safety experts urge families to be vigilant whenever water is involved. While full details about what happened at Wood’s Tall Timber are not yet known, the loss of such a young life has shaken the local community.
Support has begun to pour in for the teen’s family, with many expressing condolences on social media and offering prayers for peace and healing during this unimaginable time. Friends of the family have described the girl as kind, full of energy, and someone who “lit up every room she walked into.”
As the investigation continues, the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s patience and privacy on behalf of the family. No further updates are expected until all family members have been properly notified and more information has been gathered by investigators.
This tragic loss serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of water safety and the fragility of life. The community of New Philadelphia mourns alongside the family of the young girl, united in grief and hope for comfort in the days ahead.
