18-year-old drowns in Broadkill River

The Broadkill River near Milton, where an 18-year-old drowned on July 15, 2025.(Photo credit: Andrew Kazmierski – stock.adobe.com)

MILTON — Delaware State Police are investigating a tragic drowning that occurred Tuesday afternoon in the Broadkill River near Milton.

According to authorities, troopers responded to a report of a water rescue around 4:32 p.m. on July 15 at the boat ramp located at the end of Oyster Rocks Road. Emergency personnel from the Lewes Fire Department, mutual aid fire companies, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), and the U.S. Coast Guard assisted in the search.

Investigators say 18-year-old Yorch Niz-Chilel had been crabbing with family near the boat launch and entered the river as they were preparing to leave. He walked into the water until it reached his neck, at which point he began yelling for help. Family members tried to rescue him but were unable to reach him before he went under. While calling 911, they lost sight of Yorch as he drifted away and submerged.

A coordinated search effort by water and air units from multiple agencies was launched but was unable to locate him that evening. The operation was suspended later that night due to deteriorating safety conditions.

Search efforts resumed the following morning, July 16, with support from the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit, Maritime Unit, and Underwater Recovery Team. Despite continued efforts throughout the day, Yorch was not found.

That evening, a fisherman reported spotting a body near the Outer Wall, close to the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse in the Delaware Bay. The body was recovered and positively identified as Yorch Niz-Chilel.

His family has been notified, and the body has been turned over to the Division of Forensic Science for further examination.