Cleveland mother drove into W.Va. river with 8-year-old daughter in alleged murder-suicide

SUTTON, W.Va. (TCD) -- A 42-year-old mother from Cleveland allegedly drove into the Elk River in West Virginia with her 8-year-old daughter in a murder-suicide, killing herself, the juvenile, and a volunteer firefighter.

According to a news release from the West Virginia State Fire Marshal, on Sunday, May 1, at approximately 2:30 p.m., LaTonya Bell drove into the river near the area of the Braxton County Senior Citizens Center along Route 4.

John Forbush, a 24-year-old volunteer firefighter with the Gassaway Fire Department, reportedly heard the initial dispatch call and responded to the scene, where he jumped into the river to rescue Bell and her daughter. He was unable to save the victims and died, the fire marshal says.

The water temperature was around 38 degrees, Cleveland.com reports.

The three victims were reportedly transported to the West Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for further investigation.

According to the fire marshal, the Braxton County Sheriff’s Office learned Bell intentionally drove the car into the river, and the incident has been ruled a murder-suicide.

In a statement, the fire marshal said, "John D. Forbush selflessly gave his life for strangers in need. He proudly served the Gassaway community for 4 years as a volunteer firefighter.  His service to the community will forever be remembered."

The Braxton County Office of Emergency Services said in another statement, "John did not enter that river knowing he would become a victim. He entered it knowing someone needed help. This is what volunteers train for, they know it’s dangerous, and yes, sometimes tragic."

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