Body of 13-Year-Old Found in Jordan River as Rescuers Continue Search for Second Missing Girl

Rescue teams located the body of a 13-year-old girl on Saturday after she was swept away by the current of the Jordan River near Lehavot HaBashan, as authorities pressed on with the search for a second missing teenage girl, according to emergency officials.

Magen David Adom (MDA) paramedics confirmed the teen was found unconscious, without a pulse, and not breathing. “We performed medical tests, but unfortunately we had no choice but to declare her dead,” said MDA paramedic Eli Ben Zaken.

The incident began when three girls entered the water, but quickly found the current overpowering. Hebrew media reports said only one managed to swim to safety. After losing contact with her companions, the survivor alerted emergency services, prompting a swift deployment of rescue teams and police to the area.

The second missing girl, believed to be 15 years old, remains unaccounted for as of Saturday afternoon. Search operations have been underway for several hours, covering the river’s surface and banks. The Israel Fire and Rescue Services announced that divers are now preparing to search the riverbed in hopes of expanding the rescue effort.

Local authorities described the Jordan River’s flow as unusually strong due to recent rainfall and snowmelt, a factor that may have contributed to the danger. The incident has drawn attention to the risks of swimming in unguarded stretches of the river, particularly during seasonal changes when currents can shift without warning.

Community members in Lehavot HaBashan and surrounding areas have expressed shock and grief, with many gathering near the riverbank as the search continues. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by fast-moving water, even in popular recreational areas.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.