Springfield, Mo. — The Springfield community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 19-year-old Andrea Stawny and 17-year-old Sofie Stawny, who were recovered following a tragic incident at Lake Springfield on Sunday, June 14. Their passing has left family, friends, and the wider community in deep grief as search and recovery efforts continue for their loved one, 40-year-old Taylor Stawny, who remains missing.
According to Springfield police, the incident involved four family members who were on the water together at the time, traveling in a kayak and two inflatable tubes that were connected near the dam area. Authorities said 12-year-old Aurelie Stawny was rescued from the spillway waters below the dam on Sunday and was transported to a local hospital for treatment before being released.
Officials confirmed that Andrea Stawny was recovered on Tuesday, approximately a quarter-mile downstream from the dam, following continued search efforts involving multiple agencies. Sofie Stawny was later recovered on Wednesday near the dam area after an extensive and coordinated water recovery operation.
Emergency response teams, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) dive team, the Springfield Fire Department, and Springfield Police drone units, worked alongside other agencies in a large-scale search effort involving water, land, and air resources. Crews continue to search for 40-year-old Taylor Stawny, who remains missing as the investigation and recovery operation continues.
Authorities have not yet determined the exact circumstances that led to the incident, and officials say the investigation remains ongoing. However, the focus for many has turned to remembering the lives that were lost and the profound impact this tragedy has had on those who knew them.
Andrea Stawny is being remembered as a young woman full of promise, while Sofie Stawny is being mourned as a bright and loving teenager whose life ended far too soon. Together, their passing has created an unimaginable void for their family and all who loved them.
As the search for Taylor Stawny continues, the community remains united in support of the family during this devastating time. Authorities have asked for patience and privacy as recovery efforts proceed and more information becomes available.
May Andrea and Sofie Stawny be remembered with love, dignity, and respect. Their lives, though cut short, will continue to be cherished in the hearts of those who knew them, and their memory will remain a lasting part of the Springfield community’s story of loss and remembrance.
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