A Pennsylvania park ranger who vanished while conducting routine maintenance was discovered deceased two days later, concluding a large-scale search involving numerous emergency agencies over the Memorial Day weekend.
Alec Campbell, 38, from Delaware County, Pennsylvania, went missing on Friday, May 23, 2025, after his kayak overturned in Neshaminy Creek at Tyler State Park in Newtown Township, Bucks County.
Campbell, a park resource ranger with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, was in the process of setting a buoy in the water when the incident occurred around 12:30 p.m.
Search teams found Campbell’s body on Sunday, May 25, 2025, following an extensive recovery operation lasting almost 48 hours. The search effort included Pennsylvania State Police aviation and maritime units, along with local fire departments such as 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 incident took place during a period of elevated water levels due to recent heavy rainfall. Philadelphia’s rainfall for May had reached around 4.5 inches by the time of the accident, approximately twice the usual monthly average. Emergency responders initially conducted both water and land searches using boats, rigging equipment, and dive gear, while state police helicopters provided aerial support.
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn expressed condolences following the recovery. Dunn noted she had spoken with Campbell’s wife and family, assuring them of the department’s support during this challenging time. She highlighted Campbell’s dedication as a member of the Pennsylvania state park staff and his impact on the community.
The Bucks County Coroner’s Office will determine the official cause and manner of Campbell’s death. Pennsylvania State Police Troop M’s criminal investigation unit is leading the investigation into the incident, which preliminary reports suggest was accidental.
Campbell is survived by his wife, Rena, and two young sons: eight-year-old Calder and five-year-old Miles. A GoFundMe campaign organized by family friend Haley Richter has raised over $30,000 for college funds and savings accounts for the children.
Richter described Campbell as a vibrant presence, valued as a husband, father, son, brother, and friend by his family and community.
Ryan Andrew Chudd, identifying himself as a close friend of Campbell, shared memories of the ranger on social media. Chudd described Campbell as an exceptional 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 people to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family.
Campbell worked as a park resource ranger, a role involving technical public safety work and park operations maintenance. His responsibilities included greeting visitors, protecting natural areas, and promoting the well-being of those enjoying Pennsylvania’s state parks. The position required rangers to perform various maintenance tasks, including the buoy placement Campbell was conducting when the accident occurred.
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 noted he had spoken with Campbell’s wife Rena, expressing the state’s gratitude for Campbell’s service to the Commonwealth.
Tyler State Park, covering 1,700 acres in Newtown and Northampton townships, remained closed through Memorial Day weekend during the search and recovery operation. The park, located approximately 30 miles northeast of Philadelphia, is known for hiking, boating, and fishing activities. Park officials reopened the facility on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
The search operation required law enforcement rangers from 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 dangerous water conditions and strong currents near the dam area where Campbell’s kayak capsized.
Witnesses who saw Campbell struggling in the rain-swollen creek called 911 shortly after noon on Friday, May 23, prompting an 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 gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received. They stated 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 a particularly dangerous Memorial Day weekend for water-related incidents across Pennsylvania. Multiple fatalities were reported in Monroe and Northampton counties, underscoring the increased risks associated with elevated water levels and strong currents following recent heavy rainfall.
