Toledo Girl Angelique Cunningham Missing After Boat Trip, Babysitter Faces Child Endangerment Charge

Authorities have suspended the search for 11-year-old Angelique Cunningham, who went missing during a boat trip on Lake Erie, as investigators move forward with criminal charges against the woman who was caring for her at the time.

Officials with Toledo Fire and Rescue announced Friday evening that search crews had exhausted all available resources after days of intensive operations. The search had already transitioned from a rescue mission to a recovery effort earlier in the day as authorities said the chances of finding the child alive had diminished.

Angelique was reported missing on July 2 after disappearing during a late-night boat ride.

Babysitter Charged With Child Endangerment

Lucas County Sheriff Mike Navarre said 41-year-old Kristen Gerrie of Toledo has been charged with child endangerment in connection with the case.

Gerrie was arrested at a Toledo residence at around 4 p.m. on Friday and is being held on a USD 50,000 bond. Pakistan Busts International Human Placenta Smuggling Racket, 3 Chinese Nationals Among 5 Arrested.

According to investigators, Angelique was in Gerrie's care when she disappeared less than 15 minutes after a boat departed Meinke Marina in Jerusalem Township on Wednesday night.

While the sheriff's office identified Gerrie as the child's babysitter, family members said she was a neighbour who had taken Angelique on the recreational boat trip. Viral Birmingham Fight Video Triggers ‘Two-Tier Policing’ Debate in UK, West Midlands Police Respond.

Second Boater Found Dead

The boat trip also included 38-year-old Jonathan Ciha. His body was recovered from Lake Erie on Thursday morning after a passing boater called 911.

The deputy coroner determined that Ciha drowned, although the exact circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation.

Gerrie was able to swim to shore and was questioned by investigators on Thursday. Authorities have not disclosed what information she provided during questioning.

The boat used during the trip was later recovered near West Sister Island.

Investigation Continues

Earlier in the investigation, Lucas County Sheriff's Office Captain Bobby Chromik said investigators were treating the incident as what appeared to be a tragic accident while prioritising efforts to locate the missing child.

Following the suspension of search operations, the investigation has shifted toward determining the circumstances that led to Angelique's disappearance.

Multi-Agency Search Operation

The search involved multiple agencies, including Toledo Fire and Rescue, the Lucas County Sheriff's Office, the US Coast Guard, Oregon Fire, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Jerusalem Township Fire Department.

Authorities said the search expanded after first responders recovered Ciha's body and learned that an 11-year-old girl who had been on the same boat was missing.

Investigators continue to seek information related to the case. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers by calling or texting 419-255-1111.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 04, 2026 07:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).