6-year-old catches fish, falls in river and drowns with dad, Virginia cops say

A 6-year-old boy’s moment of triumph on a father-son fishing trip turned disastrous when he lost his balance and fell into the water, according to investigators in Virginia.

The boy drowned and his father died trying to save him, the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office said in an April 2 news release.

It happened late Saturday, March 22, as Danny Sumner and his son were fishing off a boat landing along the Rappahannock River in eastern Virginia, the sheriff’s office said.

“What should have been a wonderful memory for a father and son turned into a tragedy,” the sheriff’s office said.

“Danny’s wife became concerned when the pair had not returned by 9:45 pm and contacted the sheriff’s Office. ... Deputies found Danny’s vehicle and his cell phone was found on the river dock.”

A dive team called to the scene discovered the two bodies, officials said.

“There is no evidence of foul play.. ... Initial evidence indicates that the son who had just caught a fish fell off the dock and into the river.,” officials said.

“Danny entered the water in an attempt to assist his son but tragically drowned himself.”

An obituary for Danny Sumner, 37, and his son, Donovan, reports they were “inseparable.”

”Their souls departed this world, together,” the obituary says.

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This story was originally published April 3, 2025 at 7:26 AM with the headline "6-year-old catches fish, falls in river and drowns with dad, Virginia cops say."