Family of 14-year-old who drowned in Silver Creek joins renewed calls for removal of dam

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB) -- Loved ones gathered Wednesday evening to remember the 14-year-old boy who drowned in Silver Creek on Memorial Day.

The family of Andre "AJ" Edwards is joining the calls for the dam to be removed because it's just too dangerous.

Andre Edwards.jpg — 14-year-old Andre Edwards Jr. (AJ) drowned in Silver Creek in New Albany, Indiana on Memorial Day after falling off the dam.

Edwards' death has reignited the debate in New Albany over the future of the Silver Creek Dam. It's been an ongoing legal battle with the city fighting against the removal of the dam, filing a lawsuit back in November to prevent it from happening.

But the teen's family is calling on the city to take action now to prevent another tragedy.

"This is not safe down here, and steps need to be taken so other things like this don't tragically happen," Edwards' brother, Bishop Edwards, said during the vigil at Silver Creek on Wednesday. "AJ, I just love you. I'm so sorry."

AJ Edwards was swimming with friends in Silver Creek Monday afternoon. When he was walking along the top of the dam, his mom said he slipped. Within seconds, the current pulled him under, trapping him.

The police search for him lasted until dark. Then, around 10 p.m., a group of men found the teen's body.

Edwards was 14. His family said he was a strong swimmer who grew up going to the pool. They said it wasn't uncommon to swim in Silver Creek on a hot day. But, after a lot of rain, the dam is known to be dangerous, and there was a lot of rain on Sunday.

"We knew if the water was high like this, we did not come down here at all just because of how dangerous the dam has always been. It's never been anything but trouble," Edwards' sister, Alissa Malott, said.

Officials with the City of New Albany have not yet responded to a request for comment since Edwards' death on Monday. In the past, Mayor Jeff Gahan has argued the dam's removal would impact flood protection, water supply and recreation.

As for AJ Edwards' family, they have started a GoFundMe page, hoping to raise money to cover the costs of his funeral. To donate, click here. A Meal Train page has also been set up.

According to an obituary, visitation for Edwards will be held from 2-7 p.m. this Sunday, June 2, at Scott Funeral Home on Veterans Parkway in Clarksville. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 3, at 11 p.m. at Scott Funeral Home with burial to follow at New Chapel Cemetery.

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