Chester, Pennsylvania – A young girl remains missing after being swept away in a rain-swollen creek over the weekend, shifting the search efforts towards a recovery operation on Monday. The community is coming together as crews continue the search for 6-year-old Lin’ajah Brooker.
The authorities in Chester County reported that Brooker went missing on Saturday evening after slipping and falling into the fast-moving waters of Chester Creek near 8th Street. Despite the efforts of several fire companies and the Coast Guard searching for hours, the cold and swift conditions of the water present challenges for a successful rescue.
Chester Fire Commissioner John-Paul Shirley mentioned that survival in such conditions is limited to three hours, prompting a shift from a search and rescue operation to a recovery effort. Boats equipped with thermal imaging technology and drones are being used to scan the water and surrounding areas for any signs of the missing girl.
As the community holds onto hope, Brooker’s grandmother, Kimberly Richardson, expressed the emotional toll of the situation. The family has been tirelessly waiting for any news while also dealing with the mourning of Brooker’s sister, who passed away on the same day five years ago.
According to investigators, Brooker was playing near the creek with two other girls when the incident occurred. While one girl managed to get out of the water, Brooker was swept away by the current. Family members recounted how they did everything possible to try and save her, highlighting the tragic circumstances of the situation.
Chester Mayor Stefan Roots acknowledged the outpouring of prayers and support from across the country, as the search efforts continue. The family and community are coming together to remember the vibrant spirit of Brooker, who was described as a joy to be around with her love for dancing and unique personality.
Authorities plan to conduct a final search of the creek on Monday morning, working alongside the Pennsylvania State Police and utilizing sonar technology. The heavy rainfall in the region on Saturday not only contributed to the challenging search conditions but also caused flooding in parts of Delaware and Montgomery counties.
As the search for Lin’ajah Brooker continues, any information related to the incident is encouraged to be reported to the police to aid in the recovery efforts.