Local News
Victims killed from carbon monoxide exposure in Gallia County home identified
The Gallia County Sheriff’s Office has released a detailed update following the tragic discovery of five deceased individuals at a residence in Clay Township on Tuesday morning, April 15, 2025.
The preliminary investigation, conducted jointly by the Sheriff’s Office and the Gallia County Coroner, has determined that the cause of death for all five individuals was carbon monoxide poisoning.
According to Sheriff Matt Champlin, the victims were discovered by a family member at approximately 10:45 a.m. at a home located on State Route 7 South in Clay Township.
Emergency responders were dispatched immediately and, upon arrival, confirmed that all five individuals were deceased.
The adult victims have been identified as 35-year-old Brian Adam Doss and 34-year-old Lora Schuman.
The remaining three victims were children—one girl and two boys—whose names are currently being withheld pending full family notification.
All five individuals resided at the home.
“We have reached a preliminary determination that these tragic deaths were caused by exposure to carbon monoxide gas inside the residence,” Sheriff Champlin said in a statement. “While we have established this likely cause, the investigation remains ongoing to gather further context and ensure every detail is understood.”
The Sheriff emphasized that no foul play is suspected at this time and the case is being treated as a tragic accident.
He added that the investigation will remain open until all aspects of the incident have been thoroughly reviewed.
“This situation is one that we all hope will never occur,” Champlin said. “The loss of any life is devastating, but to lose an entire family is truly heartbreaking. Today’s tragic events have forever changed the lives of those connected to this family, as well as our broader community. Please continue to lift them up in prayer and support during this time of unimaginable grief.”
The Sheriff’s Office extended its condolences to the loved ones of the victims and urged residents to remain vigilant regarding home safety, particularly concerning carbon monoxide exposure—a silent, odorless, and deadly threat.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues and next of kin are fully notified.
Local News
Authorities Identify Three Missing Girls in Missouri River Near Dodge Park
A 13-year-old girl was the only one who managed to get out of the water.
Authorities in Omaha have confirmed that search and recovery efforts are ongoing for three girls who went missing in the Missouri River near NP Dodge Park on Tuesday evening, April 15, 2025.
According to officials, four girls had gone fishing and entered the water near a boat dock in the area around 6:00 p.m. Witnesses reported that the girls began to struggle as they floated down the river.
A 13-year-old girl was the only one who managed to get out of the water.
She was later found on the riverbank, visibly distressed and crying.
Omaha Fire Battalion Chief Coby Werner stated that the girl, who was transported to a local hospital for evaluation, informed emergency responders that she was related to the three others who were still missing.
The missing individuals have been identified as 18-year-old Laiana Green, 18-year-old Lah K. Tray Moo, and 11-year-old Eh Cress Moo.
Authorities have not released information suggesting that any of the girls were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.
What began as a rescue operation on Tuesday evening has now transitioned into a recovery mission, as confirmed by Omaha Fire and Rescue on Wednesday morning.
The water temperature in the Missouri River, currently around 45 degrees Fahrenheit, poses a serious risk by potentially delaying the resurfacing of individuals, officials noted.
Search crews were forced to suspend operations around sunset on Tuesday due to low visibility and safety concerns.
The recovery effort resumed early Wednesday morning with a more coordinated strategy—agencies were assigned designated areas along the river to search individually to maximize coverage.
Despite some promising signals throughout the day, those sightings were ultimately determined to be debris.
Emergency services have expanded their search zone and plan to continue efforts into the weekend, moving further downstream. Specialized equipment, including sonar technology, drones, and aerial surveillance from a police helicopter, is being utilized to aid in locating the missing girls.
As of Wednesday evening, eight boats and four responding agencies were actively involved in the search, including Omaha Fire Department, Bennington Fire Department, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“The Missouri River is extremely hazardous, especially at night,” said Battalion Chief Werner. “There’s a strong current, submerged debris, and poor visibility. Earlier today, we saw a large tree float past, which shows how dangerous this environment is for our crews.”
Authorities are requesting the public to avoid the river while recovery operations continue and urge community members to keep the families of the missing girls in their thoughts.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” said a spokesperson for Omaha Fire. “But we remain committed to bringing closure to these families. Our teams will be out here at first light every day until this mission is complete.”