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Teen Presumed Dead After Disappearing In Delaware River

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A teen is presumed dead after he jumped into the Delaware River to save his friend Wednesday evening.

It happened shortly after 6 p.m. in the 7700 block of State Road in Pennypack Park in Northeast Philadelphia.

According to investigators, the incident began when a 17-year-old girl somehow fell into the river. Her 18-year-old male friend then jumped into the water in attempt to save her.

The 18-year-old then began struggling in the strong current. The 18-year-old's cousin then jumped into the water to assist him.

Two Good Samaritans who were nearby heard the commotion and also jumped into the river. They were able to save the female victim and the man who jumped in to save his cousin. However, they were not able to rescue the 18-year-old male.

Crews spent hours trying to find the teen, but the mission went from a rescue to a recovery late Wednesday evening.

"Right now it's just a recovery mission at this point. We're using Sonar … to try to locate the body. We're also just physically dragging the bottom of the river," Chief Inspector Scott Small said.

The identity of the teen was not immediately known.


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