Omaha, Nebraska — On Tuesday evening, April 15, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded near NP Dodge Park in Omaha, Nebraska, when four girls went fishing along the Missouri River and were swept into the fast-moving waters. The girls, aged 11 to 18, had entered the water near a boat dock around 6:00 p.m. but were quickly caught in the current, leading to a struggle that would claim the lives of three of them.

The only survivor, 13-year-old girl, managed to escape the water and was found on the riverbank, visibly distressed and crying. She was later transported to a local hospital for evaluation, where she revealed that she was related to the three other girls who were still missing. This began what would evolve into a large-scale search and recovery operation, which as of Wednesday, April 16, 2025, continues as a coordinated effort by local, state, and federal agencies.

The three girls still unaccounted for have been identified as 18-year-old Laiana Green, 18-year-old Lah K. Tray Moo, and 11-year-old Eh Cress Moo. The incident has devastated their families, the Omaha community, and anyone who knew the young girls. The tragedy has raised important concerns about the dangers of the Missouri River, especially for those unfamiliar with its treacherous currents, and about the preparedness of children and young adults engaging in water activities without life jackets or safety equipment.

This detailed piece will explore the unfolding recovery operation, the challenges involved in searching the Missouri River, the background of the individuals involved, the wider context of water safety, and the ongoing impact on the community as it rallies behind the affected families during this devastating event.

The Incident: A Group of Friends and Family on the Water

The tragic event began on Tuesday, April 15, when four girls—three of whom were young adults and one a pre-teen—set out for an afternoon of fishing near NP Dodge Park in Omaha. The Missouri River, a popular spot for locals seeking recreational activities, was the backdrop for what would quickly become a dangerous and life-threatening situation. The four girls—Laiana Green, Lah K. Tray Moo, Eh Cress Moo, and the 13-year-old survivor—had been spending time together on the riverbank. According to witness reports, after a period of fishing and enjoyment, the girls entered the water near the boat dock at approximately 6:00 p.m.

It was not long before the river’s powerful current began pulling the group of girls downstream, quickly turning a recreational outing into a fight for survival. The young girls, who were reportedly not wearing life jackets, struggled to stay afloat in the choppy water. The 13-year-old girl, whose name has not been publicly released, was the only one able to make it to the riverbank. She was discovered by emergency responders in an emotional state, visibly distressed and crying.

The survivor provided emergency personnel with key information about the others, indicating that they were family members. She was immediately transported to a local hospital for evaluation, where she was reported to be in stable condition. The tragedy, however, was far from over. The search for the three other girls who remained missing began almost immediately.

Search and Recovery Efforts: Challenges of the Missouri River

The Missouri River is a powerful and dangerous waterway, particularly in the area near NP Dodge Park. The current in the river is strong, with submerged debris and fluctuating water levels that can make navigation difficult, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the area. These treacherous conditions have made the ongoing search and recovery mission both complex and perilous for local authorities.

Upon receiving reports of the girls’ disappearance, emergency response teams, including the Omaha Fire Department, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Bennington Fire Department, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, immediately mobilized to the scene. Initially, the search was conducted under the assumption that the girls might still be alive, but as time went on and the realities of the river’s conditions became more apparent, the mission transitioned into a recovery operation.

Search crews faced several challenges from the onset. The Missouri River in the area is wide, with numerous islands, submerged trees, and large stretches of open water. Low visibility, particularly as night fell on Tuesday, further hindered the search efforts. Authorities had to suspend operations temporarily as darkness made it difficult to navigate the waters safely. Emergency medical crews also had to contend with the physical hazards posed by the current, submerged objects, and the cold water temperature, which was reported to be around 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

As the operation resumed early Wednesday morning, specialized equipment such as sonar technology, drones, and aerial surveillance from a police helicopter were deployed to assist in locating the missing girls. Despite some promising signals, the search was ultimately unable to locate the missing individuals, with the search teams identifying debris rather than the missing girls themselves. These setbacks only made the task at hand more difficult, but authorities vowed to continue their efforts until the girls were found.

The Missouri River: A Dangerous Waterway

The tragic events on April 15 underscore the inherent dangers of the Missouri River, especially when the river’s conditions are not fully understood or respected by those who venture onto it. While the Missouri River is a popular spot for recreational fishing, boating, and kayaking, its size and strength make it particularly dangerous for inexperienced individuals or those unfamiliar with the region.

The Missouri River is one of the longest rivers in the United States, stretching over 2,300 miles from Montana to the Mississippi River. Its power and unpredictability have claimed the lives of numerous individuals over the years, particularly in areas where the water is deep, fast-moving, and prone to sudden changes in flow.

The dangers posed by the Missouri River are compounded by the fact that many of the fatalities on the water happen in rural or less-populated areas where emergency response times can be slower, and resources for water rescues may be limited. Authorities often have to contend with low water visibility, submerged obstacles like fallen trees and rocks, and the powerful current that can drag individuals away from safety before they have a chance to react.

Despite the challenges posed by the Missouri River’s conditions, authorities in Omaha are well-versed in conducting water rescues and recovery operations. The city has a history of coordinating efforts between multiple agencies to ensure that searches are thorough and efficient. However, this operation has proven to be especially challenging given the time of day, water temperature, and environmental factors.

Impact on the Community: A Grieving Family and City

The families of Laiana Green, Lah K. Tray Moo, and Eh Cress Moo are reeling from the unimaginable loss of their loved ones. The three young girls were known to their families as loving, vibrant individuals with bright futures ahead of them. The tragic nature of their deaths, especially at such a young age, has left their families devastated.

Social media has been flooded with messages of support and sympathy for the families, with friends and loved ones sharing memories of the victims and expressing their disbelief at the loss. One family member of the girls, in an emotional post on social media, wrote, “This is a nightmare we can’t wake up from. My heart breaks for these beautiful souls, and my thoughts are with their families.”

In addition to the emotional impact on the families, the tragedy has left the community of Omaha shaken. The city, known for its tight-knit neighborhoods and strong sense of unity, has been hit hard by this accident, particularly as many in the community are now reflecting on the dangers of water-related activities and the importance of water safety, especially for young people.

The grief-stricken families have also expressed their desire for privacy during this difficult time but have requested that the public keep them in their thoughts and prayers as they await further developments in the search. Community leaders, local officials, and grief counselors have rallied around the families, offering support and providing resources to help them cope with the emotional aftermath of the incident.

Search Operations: What Happens Next?

The search for the missing girls is ongoing, with authorities committed to locating their remains and providing the families with closure. As of Wednesday evening, eight boats and four responding agencies were actively involved in the search, with teams working in coordination to cover the vast expanse of the Missouri River. The use of specialized equipment, such as sonar and drones, is expected to continue, with agencies exploring further downstream as part of their expanded search zone.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the girls’ disappearance remains active, and authorities have stated that they will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available. The family members of the victims are anxiously awaiting news, holding on to hope that their loved ones will be found, even as the reality of the situation sets in.

The efforts to recover the bodies of Laiana, Lah, and Eh are being carried out with utmost respect and care, as the recovery teams understand the gravity of the situation and the emotional weight it carries for the families. In the meantime, the Omaha Fire Department and other agencies have expressed their commitment to remaining on-site each day, working tirelessly until this tragic chapter is brought to a close.

Conclusion: A Community in Mourning and a Call for Water Safety Awareness

The tragic drowning deaths of Laiana Green, Lah K. Tray Moo, and Eh Cress Moo serve as a sobering reminder of the inherent dangers of water activities, particularly in powerful bodies of water like the Missouri River. As search teams continue to work tirelessly to locate the missing girls and provide closure for their families, the broader community is left to mourn the loss of three young lives filled with promise.

This incident highlights the need for greater water safety awareness, particularly when it comes to recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. As authorities continue their search and the families of the victims prepare for the difficult days ahead, the hope is that this tragedy will serve as a catalyst for better safety practices, more stringent regulations, and increased public education about the risks of water-related activities.

For now, the focus remains on the families of Laiana, Lah, and Eh, who have suffered an unimaginable loss, and the search teams working to bring closure to this heartbreaking incident. The entire community of Omaha, and beyond, is united in grief, offering prayers, support, and remembrance for the three young girls taken too soon.