Delaware State Police are investigating a drowning that occurred on the Broadkill River in Milton on July 15. The body of Yorch Niz-Chilel, 18, was found on July 16 near the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse in the Delaware Bay.
Initially, reports were that Niz-Chilel slipped on a log and fell into the river, but the police investigation revealed that he had been crabbing with his family at the end of Oyster Rocks. As they were preparing to leave, Niz-Chilel walked into the river until he was submerged to his neck at which point he began yelling for help.
Family members attempted to rescue him but were unable to reach him before he went under. While calling 911, the family lost sight of Niz-Chilel as he drifted away and submerged.
Delaware State Police conducted a search coordinated by water and air units from multiple agencies that evening. The Lewes Fire Department, mutual aid fire companies, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the U.S. Coast Guard were involved in the search until safety conditions deteriorated and the search was temporarily suspended.
The next day, agencies continued to search for Niz-Chilel, but were unsuccessful. That evening, a fisherman called 911 after seeing a body near the Delaware Bay. The body was recovered and identified as the missing swimmer. His family was notified and his body turned over to the Division of Forensic Science for further examination.
