Crime & Safety
Body Of Girl, 2, Swept Away In Bucks County Flooding Found: Police
Authorities said the body of 2-year-old Mattie Shiels was located Friday in the Delaware River 32 miles from where she was last seen.
PHILADELPHIA, PA — The body of a 2-year-old girl swept away by floodwaters in Bucks County last weekend was recovered in the Delaware River, 32 miles from where she was last seen, according to police.
In a statement posted to social media, Upper Makefield Township police said the body of Mattie Shiels was found after authorities received two 911 calls shortly after 5 p.m. Friday. One caller said they spotted a body near the Philadelphia Waste Disposal Plant, south of the Betsy Ross Bridge.
Philadelphia authorities responded and located the child in debris near a pier.
Find out what's happening in Newtownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"Although Mattie was found 32 miles away from where we lost her, she has never been closer to all of our hearts than she is now," Upper Makefield police said in a statement. "We cannot begin to fathom the pain they are experiencing, but we will never leave their side as they deal with this tragedy."
Mattie was among several members of a family who became trapped in their vehicle during flash flooding in Bucks County last weekend. In all, the weekend's flooding claimed the lives of six people.
Find out what's happening in Newtownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Katie Seley, her fiance James, her mother, and their three children were visiting family in the county when the flooding happened. James grabbed their 4-year-old son Jack and was able to flee to safety and Katie's mother also survived the flood.
Katie's body was recovered later that night. Her 9-month-old son, Conrad Sheils, remains missing.
Police said search operations for Conrad will continue Saturday.
"After yesterday’s news, we know so many are still reeling at the tragic loss of life, but we are grateful that prayers were answered and that we were able to bring Mattie home," police said. "This has only strengthened our resolve to reunite Conrad with his family and sister."
RELATED:
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
