A 26-year-old man’s body was recovered from the Delaware River after him and two friends went for a swim in the Burlington Mainland area Sunday night, police announced this afternoon.
Yesterday at approximately 7:14 p.m., the City of Burlington Police Department along with several other agencies responded to the area of the Riverfront near East Pearl and York Streets for a water rescue of a swimmer in the Delaware River.
Emergency crews searched the area and were unable to initially locate the victim.
The victim, later identified as Thomas Scott, 26, of Edgewater Park, died as a result of this incident. His body was recovered from the Delaware River at approximately 8:45pm.
The initial investigation revealed that Mr. Scott and two friends were attempting to swim across the Delaware River from the Burlington Mainland over to Burlington Island.
At approximate halfway point to the island, witnesses described that Mr. Scott was having trouble staying afloat and went under the water. Local boaters attempted to rescue Mr. Scott prior to emergency crews’ arrival, but were unsuccessful.
Mr. Scott’s vehicle was located at the City Boat Ramp on East Pearl Street.
At this time, this case is being investigated as an accidental drowning.
Both witnesses and the family of Mr. Scott have been cooperative during the investigation.
Mr. Scott was the father of two young children.
Any person who may have witnessed this incident or has further information is asked to call Det. Anna Czajka at 609-386-0262 Ext. 221.
Photo: City of Burlington Police