Contractor’s body recovered after falling into creek at New Jersey job site.

Authorities in New Jersey have confirmed the recovery of the body of a man who tragically fell into Big Timber Creek in Westville on Wednesday afternoon, following an unfortunate incident while he was working on a home renovation project. The victim, identified as 36-year-old Valentin Garcia-Gaona, fell into the creek shortly after 1:30 p.m., according to statements from local law enforcement.

Garcia-Gaona, a contractor engaged in work at a residence located in the 500 block of Edgewater Drive, reportedly lost his footing on an embankment, which led to the fall into the fast-moving waters of the creek. Eyewitness accounts indicate that a colleague who was present at the scene attempted to rescue him by throwing a line in his direction. However, Garcia-Gaona was unable to grab hold, highlighting the dangerous conditions present at the site.

The Westville Police Chief, Michael Packer, provided additional context regarding the recovery efforts. Search-and-rescue teams faced challenging conditions during the eight-hour operation, which involved low visibility and murky water, compounded by plummeting temperatures that fell to the low 60s in the evening. Such adverse conditions hampered the search efforts, underscoring the perilous nature of the waters.

Investigators have indicated that there are no signs of foul play linked to this tragic incident. Instead, they believe that the circumstances surrounding Garcia-Gaona’s fatal fall were purely accidental.

Big Timber Creek, measuring approximately 5.6 miles in length, serves as a tributary of the Delaware River, delineating the boundaries of Gloucester and Camden counties in southwestern New Jersey. According to Andrew Halter of Gloucester County Emergency Management, the creek is known for its rapid currents, which can pose a significant risk to individuals who find themselves in the water. Officials have noted that the creek can reach depths exceeding 10 feet, further contributing to the potential hazards for those in its vicinity.

The recovery of Garcia-Gaona’s body serves as a somber reminder of the dangers associated with working near bodies of water and the importance of safety measures in preventing similar tragedies. As investigations continue, local authorities are encouraging residents to exercise caution around natural waterways, particularly under hazardous conditions.