Local / Fairfax / June 15, 2026

Massive Search Resumes for Swimmer Missing Near Great Falls

First responders resumed searching Monday morning for a young man presumed to have drowned in the Potomac River near Great Falls after he disappeared Sunday evening.

By Tysons Times Staff

Editorial illustration of Northern Virginia community life with transit, schools and local businesses — A Tysons Times illustration represents community life across Tysons and Northern Virginia. Photo: Tysons Times / AI illustration

Coverage area: Fairfax
Section: Local
Published: June 15, 2026
Topics: local, fairfax, public safety, environment

Article Text

First responders resumed searching Monday morning for a young man presumed to have drowned in the Potomac River near Great Falls after he disappeared Sunday evening.

The man was attempting to swim from Maryland to Virginia when he became separated from his group around 6:15 p.m., Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesman Pete Piringer said.

Crews searched near Sandy Landing, where the swimmer was last seen, using boats, ground teams and aerial support. Sonar, thermal-imaging equipment and visual observation from a U.S. Park Police helicopter aided the effort.

Eight boats and 45 firefighters from Montgomery and Fairfax counties participated Sunday. The search was scaled back around 9 p.m. after crews were unable to locate the man.

Several Montgomery County swift-water boats returned after sunrise Monday, joined by a U.S. Park Police helicopter. Piringer said additional boat teams were expected to enter the search Monday afternoon.

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