Body of Tyler State Park ranger recovered from Neshaminy Creek; ID revealed
The ranger was identified as Alec Campbell, 38, of Delaware County. The Bucks County coroner will determine the cause and manner of his death, authorities said.
The body of a 38-year-old Pennsylvania park ranger who disappeared Friday, when his kayak capsized in the Neshaminy Creek in Bucks County, was recovered Sunday.
Cindy Adams Dunn, the secretary of the state’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, identified the ranger as Alec Campbell, of Delaware County.
Dunn, in a news release, wrote that the agency was “deeply saddened” by Campbell’s death.
“I’ve spoken with his wife and family, and on behalf of all of us at DCNR, I want them to know they are in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time,” Dunn said. “Our hearts go out to them, as well as to Alec’s friends, loved ones, and colleagues.”
Tyler State Park will remain closed Monday, while Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate Campbell’s death. Authorities said the Bucks County coroner will determine the cause and manner of Campbell’s death.
The 1,700-acre park, popular for hiking, boating, and fishing, is expected to reopen Tuesday.
“Every day, state park employees play a vital role in welcoming visitors, protecting our natural spaces, and ensuring the safety of all who enjoy Pennsylvania’s beautiful parks,” Dunn said.
“Alec’s commitment and passion touched many lives, and his loss is felt deeply across our entire community. We honor his memory and extend our sincerest condolences to all who are mourning his passing.”
A woman who identified herself as a friend of Campbell’s family started a GoFundMe account to raise money for Campbell’s two sons, who were said to be 5 and 8. By Sunday night, it had collected nearly $12,000.
On Friday afternoon, footage from a 6abc helicopter showed that crews were searching a section of the Neshaminy Creek, near a dam. A buoy, suspended just above the surface on a rope, and a blue life jacket bobbed in fast-moving water at the dam’s edge.
Campbell, a park resource ranger tasked with technical public safety work, had reportedly been trying to place a buoy in the water when his kayak flipped.
The creek might have been made more perilous than usual on Friday by a recent stretch of wet weather, which has brought the city’s rainfall total for the month to roughly 4.5 inches, about double the typical May average.