Swimmer vanishes over Labor Day weekend, then is found dead, Missouri officials say

A 21-year-old man disappeared and drowned while swimming in a Missouri river over Labor Day weekend, officials said.

Ryan McGee, of Moody, was in the White River when he “waded out too deep” and went under water, according to a drowning report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

First responders, including the Ozark County Sheriff’s Office and state troopers, were called to the north fork of the river at 3:45 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 4. Area fire departments and forest rangers also responded.

A search for the missing swimmer began immediately, and officials continued searching into the night, according to the sheriff’s office.

McGee’s body was found at about 7:35 a.m. the next day, authorities said. He was discovered close to the area where he vanished.

In a GoFundMe raising money for McGee’s memorial, a family member says the man died rescuing his brother in the river.

“While he succeeded, Ryan was swept away in the current and was unable to be rescued in time,” Rebeka Giroux wrote. “Ryan was incredibly smart, kind, and had an amazing sense of humor. He enjoyed video games, superheroes, and the outdoors. He leaves behind 6 siblings and parents who love him.”

Ozark County is in southern Missouri, about 100 miles southeast of Springfield.