A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Sprague, Connecticut, where a 39-year-old woman and her 5-year-old daughter tragically drowned in the Shetucket River. Dora Kelly and her daughter, Aralye McKeever, were swimming near River Park on Tuesday evening when they were overcome by the river's powerful current. The incident occurred just before 5:30 p.m.

Emergency responders pulled both individuals from the water downstream and transported them to Backus Hospital in Norwich. Sadly, Kelly was pronounced dead at the hospital. McKeever was subsequently transferred to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford, where she passed away on Wednesday. Connecticut State Police have confirmed these details and are investigating the incident as an accidental drowning, with no suspicion of foul play.

The Shetucket River, along with other rivers in the region, has been experiencing significantly elevated water levels due to the heavy rainfall that has impacted New England throughout the past week. Authorities are reminding the public to exercise extreme caution near waterways, especially during periods of high water flow.