Law enforcement authorities disclosed on Sunday afternoon that the search for a 6-year-old girl who fell into Pennsylvania's Chester Creek on Saturday night has been suspended. The continuing attempts are now classified as a recovery mission.
Rescue Operation Now Transitioned to Recovery
Chester Mayor Stefan Roots expressed sorrow for the city's tragic loss and emphasized the community's support for those affected. Crews continue searching for the girl at 8 a.m. on Sunday, following her fall into the creek around 7 p.m. on Saturday.
The search was first suspended after 10 p.m. on Saturday, despite the Coast Guard ongoing attempts overnight. However, survivability estimates in water are restricted to about three hours.
By 2 p.m., officials confirmed that the operation had shifted from rescue to recovery. The identity of the girl has not been disclosed by police officials, but her grandmother, Kimberly Richardson, shared her anguish and readiness for the worst.
According to reports, the incident unfolded as three girls were playing near Chester Creek when two slipped into the water due to mud. While one girl managed to escape, the 6-year-old was unable to reach safety.
6-Year-Old Girl Falls Into Pennsylvania Creek
The girl's aunt, Tyeesha Reynolds, recounted how her daughter attempted to hold onto the girl's jacket but couldn't prevent her from being swept away. Additionally, family members initiated their search efforts before emergency crews arrived.
During a press briefing, Chester Fire Commissioner John-Paul Shirley stated that teams will continue searching for the girl, identified as Lin'Ajah Brooker by her family, until dusk. At that point, due to safety concerns for the crews, all search activities will be halted.
Shirley mentioned that from the outset, there was a realization that the mission might turn into a recovery effort after approximately three hours.
However, he emphasized that hope persisted for a miraculous outcome. With daylight aiding in a more comprehensive search, it became evident that the operation would transition from a rescue to a recovery mission.
Earlier in the day, Mayor Stefan Roots of Chester affirmed that the search for Brooker remained intensive, with local rescue teams and the U.S. Coast Guard deploying all available resources.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening when a 911 call reported that Brooker fell into the water while playing near the creek with another girl. Despite the exhaustive search efforts, only one child, Brooker, remains missing.
Family Holds Onto Hope to Safely Bring Her Back
Family members, including Brooker's aunt Tyeesha Reynolds, expressed their anguish and hope for her safe return, underscoring the distressing nature of the situation.
The family is hopeful for Lin'Ajah's safe return. Tyeesha Reynolds, Lin'Ajah's aunt, expresses her prayers for her niece to be found alive.
"They were playing down there, and she wandered a bit too far with the other kids. My 7-year-old daughter tried to hold onto her. Lin'Ajah was gripping onto my daughter's coat, and I suppose the wind swept her away," Reynolds recounted. "It's a terrifying thought for me at 40; she's only 6, so I can only imagine how scared she must be."
