A park ranger from Pennsylvania, missing during routine maintenance work, was discovered deceased two days after the incident, wrapping up a large-scale search effort involving various emergency agencies over Memorial Day weekend.
Alec Campbell, aged 38, from Delaware County, Pennsylvania, vanished on Friday, May 23, 2025, when his kayak overturned in Neshaminy Creek at Tyler State Park in Newtown Township, Bucks County.
Campbell, serving as a park resource ranger for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, was engaged in placing a buoy in the creek when the incident occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m.
Search teams found Campbell’s body on Sunday, May 25, 2025, following a comprehensive recovery effort spanning nearly 48 hours. The search operation involved Pennsylvania State Police aviation and maritime units, as well as several local fire departments, including Newtown Fire Rescue, Lingohocken Fire Company, Northampton Township Fire Department, New Hope-Eagle Fire Company, Newtown Ambulance Squad, Upper Makefield Fire Company, and the Bucks County Special Operations Dive Team.
The event occurred during a period of high water levels resulting from recent heavy rainfall. By the time of the accident, Philadelphia’s rainfall total for May had reached around 4.5 inches, approximately twice the usual monthly average. Emergency responders initially conducted water and land searches using boats, rigging equipment, and dive gear, with state police helicopters providing aerial assistance.
Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, expressed her condolences following the recovery. Dunn stated that she had communicated directly with Campbell’s wife and family, offering the department’s support during this challenging period. She highlighted Campbell’s dedication to the Pennsylvania state park staff and his positive influence on the community.
The Bucks County Coroner’s Office will determine the official cause and manner of Campbell’s death. The investigation into the incident, which appears to be accidental according to preliminary reports, is being led by Pennsylvania State Police Troop M’s criminal investigation unit.
Campbell is survived by his wife, Rena, and two young sons: Calder, aged eight, and Miles, aged five. A GoFundMe campaign organized by family friend Haley Richter has raised over $30,000 to create college funds and savings accounts for the children.
Richter described Campbell as lively and energetic, cherished by his family and the community as a husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
Ryan Andrew Chudd, who identified himself as a close friend of Campbell, shared memories of the park ranger on social media. Chudd described Campbell as a tremendous outdoorsman who was smart, clever, kind, and radiant. “He’d be bummed that the park was closed this weekend while they search for him,” Chudd wrote, encouraging others to enjoy the outdoors with their friends and family.
Campbell held the role of a park resource ranger, which involves technical public safety work and maintenance of park operations. His duties included greeting visitors, protecting natural areas, and ensuring the safety of those enjoying Pennsylvania’s state parks. The position requires rangers to perform various maintenance tasks, including buoy placement, which Campbell was conducting at the time of the accident.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro ordered all flags at commonwealth facilities to fly at half-staff on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Campbell’s honor. Shapiro stated that he and his wife were praying for Campbell’s family and friends. The governor indicated that he had spoken with Campbell’s wife, Rena, expressing the state’s eternal gratitude for Campbell’s service to the Commonwealth.
Tyler State Park, spanning 1,700 acres in Newtown and Northampton townships, remained closed through Memorial Day weekend as the search and recovery efforts continued. The park, located about 30 miles northeast of Philadelphia, is a popular destination for hiking, boating, and fishing. Park officials reopened the facility on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
The search operation required law enforcement rangers from across the region to block park entrances during the busy Memorial Day holiday weekend. Emergency crews had to retreat at various points during the search due to hazardous water conditions and strong currents in the area near the dam where Campbell’s kayak capsized.
Witnesses who observed Campbell struggling in the rain-swollen creek called 911 shortly after noon on Friday, May 23, prompting the immediate emergency response. Helicopter footage from the scene showed crews searching a section of Neshaminy Creek near a dam, where a buoy suspended on a rope and a blue life jacket were visible in the fast-moving water at the dam’s edge.
The Campbell family released a statement through NBC 10, expressing their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received. They indicated that Campbell was and remains loved, and they were humbled by the community’s response during their time of grief.
Campbell’s death occurred during what proved to be a particularly dangerous Memorial Day weekend for water-related incidents across Pennsylvania. Multiple fatalities were reported in Monroe and Northampton counties, highlighting the increased risks associated with elevated water levels and strong currents following recent heavy rainfall.
