Body Recovered from Big Timber Creek After Search

Emergency responders recovered a body from Big Timber Creek in Westville, New Jersey on Wednesday following an extensive multi-agency search operation. The discovery came after authorities received reports of a person in distress in the waterway between Gloucester and Camden counties, according to Patch.

The Westville Fire Department led the recovery effort, which began around 2:30 p.m. when witnesses reported seeing someone struggling in the water near the creek’s northern branch. Multiple agencies from both counties participated in the search, which lasted approximately three hours before the recovery was made.

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Multi-Agency Response to Emergency

The extensive search operation included teams from Westville, West Deptford, Bellmawr, Mount Ephraim, and Gloucester City fire departments, along with marine units from several police departments. Dive teams deployed boats and specialized equipment to search the creek, which runs through both Camden and Gloucester counties, according to NJ.com.

Westville Fire Chief Eric Farley said in a statement that emergency personnel responded promptly after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting a person possibly drowning near the Crown Point Road bridge. “We had resources in the water within minutes of the initial call, and our teams worked diligently throughout the afternoon,” Farley stated.

The search was complicated by the creek’s varying depths and strong currents following recent rainfall in the region. Authorities utilized sonar equipment and underwater drones to locate the victim in an area approximately 300 yards downstream from where they were last seen.

Investigation Underway

The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office has assumed responsibility for the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending notification of next of kin.

Prosecutor Christine Shah confirmed that an autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. “We’re working diligently to understand the full circumstances of this tragic incident,” Shah said in a brief press statement Wednesday evening.

Witnesses at the scene reported seeing someone fishing from the shoreline before apparently falling into the water. One bystander allegedly attempted to help but was unable to reach the person due to the swift current.

Community Response

The recovery operation drew dozens of onlookers to the Crown Point Road bridge and surrounding areas. Local officials temporarily closed several roads to facilitate emergency vehicle access, causing traffic delays throughout the afternoon.

Westville Mayor Russell Welsh expressed condolences to the family of the victim and praised the cooperative effort of emergency responders. “Our community is deeply saddened by this tragic loss. The professionalism and dedication shown by all responding agencies deserves recognition during this difficult situation,” Welsh stated, according to Fox 29 Philadelphia.

Community members have begun placing flowers at a makeshift memorial near the Crown Point Road bridge. Local resident Maria Donato, who witnessed the recovery operation, told reporters: “It’s heartbreaking to see something like this happen in our community. Everyone was hoping for a different outcome.”

Creek Safety Concerns

This incident has renewed concerns about safety along Big Timber Creek, which has been the site of several drownings in recent years. The waterway is popular for fishing and kayaking, but officials warn that its deceptive currents and sudden depth changes can present hazards.

The Gloucester County Department of Parks and Recreation issued a statement reminding residents about water safety, particularly as summer approaches. The statement emphasized the importance of life jackets when engaging in water activities and advised against swimming in unauthorized areas.

Local officials indicated they would review signage and safety measures along the creek following this incident. The West Deptford Township Committee is expected to discuss potential additional safety measures at their next meeting scheduled for Tuesday.