New Jersey firefighter dies after falling into frozen Delaware River

The firefighter was on a boat for routine maintenance and fell into the water, according to local reports.

A New Jersey firefighter died on Thursday after falling into the icy waters of the Delaware River, according to officials.

The Courier Post reports the incident happened in Camden, New Jersey, around 11 a.m. near the Wiggins Park Marina when the firefighter was on a boat for routine maintenance and fell into the water.

Multiple agencies responded for the rescue, including the Philadelphia Fire Department.

Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ) said Howard Bennett was a veteran firefighter and died at Cooper University Hospital.

When Bennett fell into the cold waters, air temperatures were below freezing, and the water temperature was around 38 degrees, according to U.S. Geological Survey data.

After the tragedy, police and fire departments from around the South Jersey and Philadelphia region have been sharing words of support for the firefighter, his family and department.

"Today, the city of Camden and the entire state of New Jersey lost a hero. This tragedy is a stark and painful reminder that the dangers of this profession do not only exist within a burning building. Our members put their lives on the line every single day,“ PFANJ President Mathew Caliente said in a statement. “We are devastated by the loss of Brother Bennett who dedicated his life to protecting the residents of Camden. Our hearts, our prayers, and our full support are with his family, his friends, and the members of Camden City Firefighters Local 788 and Camden Fire Officers Local 2578 during this unimaginably difficult time."

First responders in the Northeast have been conducting rescues on frozen rivers amid extreme cold. Temperatures in New Jersey are expected to plummet again this weekend as AccuWeather meteorologists say another round of Arctic air will bring the coldest temperatures of the season.

Report a Typo