08/25/2026
***PRESS RELEASE***
The Delran Police Department is releasing the following updated information on the search for a drowning victim at Burlington County’s Amico Island Park:
Delran Police responded to the park at 81 Norman Avenue at 3:52 PM Monday, Aug. 24, for a report of two potential drowning victims.
Upon arrival, officers determined that an adult woman went into the Delaware River to rescue a juvenile girl who was struggling in the water. The woman, later identified as 33-year-old Priscila Alvares Pereira Dos Santos of Delran, was able to push the girl towards the shore, where other bystanders pulled her safely from the water, however, Priscila went underwater and did not resurface.
A search for Priscila ensued involving the Delran Police Department, Delran Fire Department, Delran Emergency Squad, Palmyra Emergency Squad, Riverside Police Department, Delanco Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Philadelphia Police Department, Philadelphia Fire Department, Burlington County OEM, Burlington County Sheriff’s Office, Burlington County Park Rangers, US Coast Guard, Camden County OEM, the Bellmawr Fire Department, and the Camden County Dive Team.
UPDATE: The search for Priscila Alvares Pereira Dos Santos was suspended at 9:45 PM Monday, but resumed at approximately 6:30 AM Tuesday, Aug. 25, involving drone operators from the Burlington County Sheriff’s Office and the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management.
At approximately 8:15 AM, the body of Priscila was located and recovered about 20 feet off a beach at Amico Island Park.
At this time, the circumstances involving this incident are not believed to be suspicious. The investigation into the incident is ongoing and will further be conducted by the Burlington County Medical Examiner’s Office. No additional information is being released at this time.
Amico Island Park will remain closed Tuesday due to the ongoing police investigation.