Ongoing search and rescue mission in Delaware County after a child falls into Chester Creek

A child is missing after circumstances led to her falling into Chester Creek in Delaware County. The six-year-old girl, identified as Lin’Ajah Brooker by her family, was reportedly playing near the water with another girl before she slipped on mud and fell into the creek. The local authorities received a 911 call about the incident and a search and rescue operation has been initiated. As part of the operations, a small boat and a helicopter were deployed on the scene by the Coast Guard.

The rescuing authorities comprising Chester Bureau of Fire and Delaware County’s water rescue team, were on the scene for several hours, before suspending their efforts around 10:30 p.m. The search was resumed the following morning at 8:00 a.m., given the increased visibility.

The search operation faced difficulties due to hazardous debris in the water and rapid currents brought on by more than two inches of rain that fell in Chester. Chester Fire Commissioner John-Paul Shirley says the rescue teams were trained to handle such situations. The equipment used including drones with infrared and thermal imaging technology and visible light towers.

According to Lin’ajah’s aunt, Tyeesha Reynolds, the children were playing near the creek when Lin’ajah went down a little too far. Lin’ajah tried to hold on to Reynolds’ seven-year-old daughter’s coat but was taken by the wind. Reynolds expressed the distress and terrifying experience that Lin’ajah faced, who, at only six years old, must be terrified.

The search operations continue for Lin’ajah, with no reports of any other missing children. The story shines a light on the potential dangers of children playing near water bodies, underscoring the need for constant supervision.