Keegan Elliott, Ballwin, MO Obituary,Drowning Victim Recovered from Meramec River Near Castlewood State Park
BALLWIN, Mo. – A tragic search concluded Friday with the recovery of a teenager who drowned in the Meramec River near Castlewood State Park.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) identified the victim as 19-year-old Keegan Elliott. His next of kin have been notified.
Authorities report that Elliott’s body was found downstream from the popular park area where he had been swimming. The incident prompted a large-scale, multi-day search operation after officials received a report of a “witnessed drowning” around 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday.
Initial search efforts that night involved approximately 20 emergency units and 60 first responders. However, dangerous river conditions and darkness forced the suspension of the search after two hours. Operations resumed at first light Thursday and continued persistently until Elliott was located on Friday.
The recovery brings a somber end to the intensive search, highlighting the ever-present dangers of river currents. The MSHP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the drowning.