Man Drowns While Trying To Save Niece

Author: Jamie Peter
Published On: Aug 16 2011 02:03:46 PM EDT  Updated On: Jul 19 2011 04:43:36 AM EDT
DELAWARE WATER GAP, Pa. -

A man, swimming with his daughters and niece in the Delaware River, drowned while trying to help his niece.

The National Park Service says it received a 911 call for a possible drowning at the Bushkill Access Point in Pike County around 4:30 p.m. Monday afternoon.

The Pike County coroner's office identified the victim as Dave Ellis, 43, of Bushkill.

His death has been ruled an accidental drowning.

Ellis was swimming with his daughters and niece, officials said. His niece began to have trouble swimming and he went to help her but was pulled under the water.

Bystanders were able to help the girl out of the water. Ellis' daughters also made it to shore safely.

Divers were called to the scene and recovered his body about two hours later.

While the four were not swimming in an area designated for swimming where lifeguards are on duty, the National Park Service says they were not in a restricted area either.

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