A selfless act of bravery turned tragic at Nockamixon State Park in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, when a 37-year-old man drowned after rescuing two children from the treacherous waters of Tohickon Creek. Marvin Alexan Fernandez Chicas noticed the children struggling around 5 p.m. and without hesitation, jumped into the creek to pull them to safety. While he succeeded in saving the children, Chicas tragically disappeared beneath the surface.
A swift response from emergency services saw approximately ten divers deployed to search the creek for Chicas. After two agonizing hours, his body was recovered. The Bucks County Coroner’s Office confirmed the cause of death as drowning.
This image shows a section of Tohickon Creek near the location of the incident. (Google Maps)
Swimming is strictly prohibited in Tohickon Creek, as well as in the 1,450-acre Lake Nockamixon, the largest lake in Bucks County. This restriction is enforced by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
This image depicts another view of Tohickon Creek, highlighting the deceptive nature of the water's depth. (Google Maps)
Haycock Township Fire Chief Harry Grim emphasized the hidden dangers lurking beneath the seemingly calm surface of the creek. He explained that while some areas may appear shallow from the shore, the creek bed can drop off suddenly and unexpectedly. The murky water, especially during this time of year, further exacerbates the risk, making it nearly impossible to see even a short distance underwater.
This image shows the signage at Nockamixon State Park. (Google Maps)
Chief Grim’s warning underscores the importance of adhering to safety regulations and refraining from swimming in designated no-swimming zones. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the unseen dangers present in natural bodies of water and the critical need for vigilance and respect for posted warnings.
