CHESTER, PA — Authorities in Delaware County recovered the body of a man Tuesday morning after he fell into Chester Creek the night before. Officials said the man, believed to be in his 20s, went into the water while he was charging his phone in Chester.
The call for help came in around 9:30 p.m. Monday, prompting a search that continued into the night. Rescue crews were later seen working from boats at Ethel Waters Park as they searched the creek.
Nighttime search centered on Ethel Waters Park
Emergency crews focused their response on Chester Creek near Ethel Waters Park, where the man was last known to be in the water. Video from the scene showed responders using boats to check the creek as darkness fell Monday evening.
The recovery came after hours of searching in and around the park area. Officials have not said exactly where in the creek the man was found, but the recovery ended the active search effort that began after the initial 9:30 p.m. call.
Officials say the man was in his 20s
Police and other officials said the man was believed to be in his 20s. They have not publicly identified him as of Tuesday morning.
The circumstances leading up to the fall were limited in the initial update. Officials said he was charging his phone when he fell into the water, but they did not immediately explain how he ended up in the creek or whether anyone else was with him.
Recovery followed an overnight response by rescue crews
Crews continued searching through the night after the initial emergency call. The effort included boats on the creek as responders tried to locate the man before daybreak.
By Tuesday morning, officials confirmed that his body had been recovered. No additional details were released right away about the condition of the recovery or what role, if any, weather or water conditions played in the search.
Police say more information will be released later Tuesday
Authorities said they are expected to provide additional information later Tuesday. That could include more detail about the man’s identity, the circumstances of the fall, and the official timeline of the recovery.
For now, the case remains centered on a single fatal incident at Chester Creek that drew a late-night search response at Ethel Waters Park. Officials have not indicated whether investigators believe foul play was involved.
Chester Creek tragedy adds to concern around parkwater hazards
The incident underscores how quickly an ordinary moment near water can turn dangerous. In this case, the man reportedly fell into Chester Creek while handling his phone, and the emergency unfolded in a public park setting familiar to many nearby residents.
As investigators prepare to release more details, the focus remains on the recovery and the unanswered questions surrounding the fall. Chester police have not yet said when they expect to complete their fuller update.
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