Philly Man ID'd As Body Found In Delaware River: Coroner

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA —The body of a man who washed up on the banks of the Delaware River Monday has been identified by the Bucks County Coroner's Office.

Sokhon Sam, 36, of Philadelphia, was confirmed by Bucks County Coroner Meredith Buck and Bristol Township Police as the same man who went missing in the Delaware River in Bristol Township on the night of June 27 after attempting to steal a boat from a private residence.

Autopsy findings released Thursday night confirmed the cause of death as drowning and the manner of death is determined to be accidental with no signs of trauma, Buck said.

On June 27, the Bristol Township Police Department responded to the 6600 Block of Radcliffe Street for a report of a man attempting to steal a Pontoon boat, which was anchored in the river.

When confronted by the owner and neighbors, the man jumped into the river, police said. The property owner and area residents attempted to rescue the man, who did not use the floatation device provided.

The man was underwater and did not resurface.

New Jersey State Police and the U.S. Coast Guard utilized boats and an aviation unit in attempts to locate the man.

Buck said that the next of kin was notified with the assistance of the Philadelphia Police Department.

"Our office extends its deepest condolences to the decedent’s family and friends during this difficult time,” Buck said.