Authorities in Springfield, Missouri, have released the identities of those involved in a Lake Springfield incident that occurred on Sunday, June 14, as multi-agency search and rescue operations continue across land, water, and air.
Police confirmed that 19-year-old Andrea Stawny and 17-year-old Sofie Stawny were later recovered following extensive water recovery efforts near the dam area. Andrea was located on Tuesday approximately a quarter-mile downstream from the dam, while Sofie was recovered on Wednesday after continued coordinated search efforts by emergency crews.
Officials also stated that 40-year-old Taylor Stawny remains missing. Roughly 40 responders from several agencies are actively involved in the ongoing search, using boats, shoreline teams, and aerial support to cover the surrounding waterways and terrain in hopes of locating him.
Twelve-year-old Aurelie Stawny was rescued from waters below the spillway shortly after the incident on Sunday. She was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and has since been released. Authorities have confirmed that next of kin have been notified regarding the incident.
Investigators believe all four individuals were on the water together at the time of the event, traveling in a kayak and two connected inflatable tubes. This detail is part of the ongoing inquiry as officials work to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the emergency.
Multiple agencies, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol dive team, Springfield Fire Department, and police drone units, continue to assist in the operation. Crews are using underwater scanning equipment, aerial surveillance, and shoreline searches to support recovery efforts.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation is still active and no final conclusions have been reached about what caused the incident. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Officials have asked the public to avoid the area while search operations continue and have expressed condolences to the family as the situation remains ongoing.