Neighbor Faces Charge as Search for Missing 11-Year-Old Girl in Lake Erie Continues

An Ohio woman has been charged after an 11-year-old girl disappeared during a recreational boat trip on Lake Erie.
Kristen Gerrie, 41, of Toledo, was arrested on Friday, July 3, in connection with the disappearance of Angelique Cunningham, who went missing after a boat trip on the lake. According to booking records reviewed by PEOPLE, Gerrie has been charged with child endangerment.
Local outlet 13 Action News reported that Gerrie is being held on a $50,000 bond.
Lucas County Sheriff Michael J. Navarre told the station that Angelique was in Gerrie’s care when she disappeared less than 15 minutes after the boat departed from Meinke Marina on Wednesday, July 1.

Family members identified Gerrie as a neighbor. Jonathan Ciha, 38, was also aboard the boat, and the group was reportedly out for a recreational ride on the lake.
Ciha was found ᴅᴇᴀᴅ the following morning, and authorities believe he drowned. Gerrie managed to swim to shore, where she was later questioned by investigators, according to the sheriff’s office.
The boat was recovered near West Sister Island on Thursday, July 2.

On July 3, Toledo Fire and Rescue announced that the search had transitioned into a recovery operation.
“Our thoughts remain with the family and everyone affected by this tragedy,” officials said in a statement. “We ask the public to continue giving emergency crews the space needed to conduct this difficult operation.”
Multiple agencies have joined the effort, including Jerusalem Township Fire & Rescue, Oregon Fire & Rescue, the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The investigation remains ongoing.
On Sunday, July 5, 13 Action News reported that authorities had recovered the body of a young girl near the Lake Erie shoreline at approximately 11:40 a.m. local time. Officials have not yet publicly confirmed the idenтιтy of the child.