Crews Searching For Body Of 6-Year-Old Swept Away In Creek: Officials

CHESTER, PA — The search for a 6-year-old who was swept away Saturday by Chester Creek has switched from a rescue effort to a recover mission, authorities said Sunday afternoon.

The child slipped and fell around 7 p.m. Saturday while the creek was high and rainwater was on its way to the Delaware River, according to Mayor Stefan Roots, who was one of several officials to speak at a press conference Sunday streamed by FOX 29.

“This is a cautionary tale for not just Chester but for all communities,” Roots said.

The child was identified by WPVI as Lin’ajah Brooker and was one of three girls playing by the creek when two fell in, although the other was able to get to safety, according to the outlet. FOX 29 reported the incident happened at Holy City Park.

Emergency crews responded with drones, a helicopter and boats, searching up to a mile south of the mouth of the Delaware River, authorities said. Responders will search Sunday until dusk, according to Chester Fire Department Capt. John-Paul Shirley.

There is a gap in the fence around the playground at the park, Roots confirmed, but the children also could have walked to the bank of the creek from a nearby residential area.

“There should be other fencing right at the banks,” he said. “Your children deserve safe places to play.”