Delaware State Police are investigating a drowning that occurred in the Broadkill River near Milton on Tuesday afternoon.
On July 15, 2025, at approximately 4:32 p.m., troopers responded to a water rescue at the boat ramp located at the end of Oyster Rocks Road in Milton. The Lewes Fire Department, mutual aid fire companies, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, and the U.S. Coast Guard also responded to assist in the search for a missing swimmer in the Broadkill River.
The investigation revealed that 18-year-old Yorch Niz-Chilel had been crabbing with family near the boat launch when he entered the river as they were preparing to leave. He walked into the river until it reached his neck, at which point he began yelling for help. Family members attempted to rescue him but were unable to reach him before he went under. While calling 911, the family lost sight of Yorch as he drifted away and submerged.
A coordinated search effort by water and air units from multiple responding agencies was launched but did not locate him. Due to deteriorating safety conditions, search operations were temporarily suspended later that evening.
On the morning of July 16, 2025, members of the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit, Maritime Unit, and Underwater Recovery Team resumed search operations. The coordinated search operation continued throughout the day but was unsuccessful in locating Yorch.
That evening, a fisherman called 911 after 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.
Yorch’s family has been notified, and his body was turned over to the Division of Forensic Science for further examination.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.
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