(Photo: Kayla Ayers)FEDERALSBURG, Md.- Emergency crews on Sunday recovered from the Marshy Hope Creek in Federalsburg the bodies of three boys believed to have drowned.
The three boys were reported missing in Federalsburg at around 1:30 a.m. Sunday by one of the youth's parents, according to Caroline County emergency officials. Officials said the youths were last seen at 5 p.m. Saturday, playing in the parking lot of the First Church of God on Bloomingdale Avenue at Old Denton Road. Police conducted a preliminary search of the area for the youths- ages 12, 12, and 8- but had negative results. Parents continued to search for the youths throughout the night.
Officials said that when the youths failed to return home Sunday morning, a more entailed search was initiated. The search was conducted by law enforcement agencies from the Federalsburg Police Department, Caroline County Sheriff's Office, Maryland State Police, and Maryland Natural Resources; as well as personnel from Emergency Medical Services, Federalsburg Volunteer Fire Company, surrounding fire companies and Delmarva Search and Rescue volunteers and dogs.
Officials said the search for the youths guided by rescue dogs began at the church and proceeded across the road to the Marshyhope Creek. Around 10 a.m., the body of one youth was quickly discovered in the water behind a cluster of homes in the 100 block of Old Denton Road, officials said. The body of another youth was discovered a short distance away at 10:30 a.m.
Rescue personnel combed the banks of the river and divers searched below the water surface for the other youth. His body was discovered underwater a short distance away by members of the Mid-shore Dive Team, according to officials.
The youths were pronounced dead on the scene by the state medical examiner. The names of the victms are being withheld pending the notification of family.
Officials said that at this time, foul play is not considered a factor due to the condition of the bodies. Autopsies will be performed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Since the preliminary determination is death by drowning, the investigation will be continued under the jurisdiction of Maryland Natural Resources Police.
