The Elyria Fire Department was engaged in a search and rescue operation for a couple who fell into the Black River on Tuesday afternoon.
Fire officials say they were able to pull both people out, but the man died on scene. His wife refused medical treatment.
The incident occurred in the 100 block of Harrison Street, the river runs behind that location.
Rescuers roped down a 50-foot embankment, then launched a boat to recover the couple, who reportedly are in their 50s.
A tractor was also found nearby, but it is unclear how it got there.