Search Resumes For Teen Missing In Pennypack Creek
By Jim Melwert, Kelly Hessedal
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The search resumed Tuesday along the Pennypack Creek in Northeast Philadelphia where a teenager went missing yesterday while swimming with his brother (see related story).
The focus of the search is at a dam along the Pennypack, just above the Roosevelt Boulevard. Police say yesterday afternoon two brothers, 13-and-11 years old, were jumping off a foot bridge and riding the current down to this dam. Fire officials say witnesses tell them the two boys went over the dam. The 11-year-old was rescued, but 13-year-old Brandon Boyle never resurfaced.
Tim Jordan lives nearby in Lawncrest and says he fishes this spot regularly, and he sees kids swimming here. But, while it looks placid from the surface, he says it's dangerous underneath.
"I've been fishing here for 30 years. It's a pretty vicious spot over there, over in the corner. There's a big whirlpool and it cuts under."
Much of Brandon's family was out at the search, including his 11-year-old brother who was with him when he disappeared.
"I know what my nephew and niece are going through and it is hard. He was only 13. He just graduated," said Brandon's great aunt Judy Williams.
Brandon's great aunt and uncle were there as dive teams resumed the search in the water and out of the water, combing every inch of it.
"It is hard. To know the kid from a baby and see him grow up over the years and lose him now," said great uncle Donald Williams.
His friends described Brandon as easy going and fun loving, and they say he loved baseball.
"It's crazy how you can see somebody one day and next day they are just not there. He was a good kid. It is a shame," said friend John Rodgers.
Divers searched yesterday but had to call off the search because, after all the rain, the waters here, especially at the base of the dam, were just too dangerous.
Police expect to continue the search until about 8 p.m. Tuesday night, but they say that could change if the rain comes in.
