Missing Tyler Park Kayaker ID'd As Park Resource Ranger: State Police

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — A search and rescue effort to find a Delaware County man whose kayak capsized in the Neshaminy Creek Friday morning at Tyler State Park is now a recovery mission.

The 38-year-old man - a park resource ranger - was in a kayak performing his job when tragedy struck late Friday morning, the Pennsylvania State Police at Dublin confirmed.

Emergency responders were dispatched to the boathouse area of the park around 12:15 p.m. after witnesses said they saw a man struggling in the swirling waters of the Neshaminy Creek and called 9-1-1.

The report prompted a quick response by first responders, including a large contingent of water rescue units from around the county. Among the crews dispatched to the scene were Newtown Fire Rescue, Lingohocken Fire Company, Bucks County Special Operations Dive Team, Northampton Township Fire Department, New Hope-Eagle Fire Company and the Upper Makefield Fire Company.

Also on the scene were members of the Pennsylvania State Police, Park Rangers, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania State Police Aviation, and Pennsylvania State Maritime Unit.

Social media video from the scene showed emergency responders in the water stretching lines across the creek and launching boats into the creek, which is running swift and high from the recent rains.

Tyler State Park will remain closed until further notice.

The Dublin Criminal Investigation Unit is investigating the incident.