Body of Missing 2-Year-Old Girl Found Along Delaware River in Philadelphia
UPPER MAKEFIELD TWP., Pennsylvania (WPVI) — Officials in Upper Makefield Township believe the body of a 2-year-old girl found along the Delaware River in Philadelphia on Friday is one of the two children reported missing after fatal flood waters swept through Bucks County.
Matilda Sheils, along with her 9-month-old brother Conrad Sheils, were reported missing on Saturday after severe flooding swept away members of their Charleston, South Carolina family.
The mother, Katie Seley, was among those who died in the severe weather. The father, Jim Sheils, a 4-year-old sibling, and the grandmother survived the flooding.
Philadelphia police found what is believed to be Matilda Sheils’ body around 5:30 p.m. along the Delaware River in the city’s Port Richmond neighborhood. An anonymous tip was made just after 5 p.m. alerting Philadelphia police to the body.
Officials in Upper Makefield stated in a press conference that based on the physical description of the child and the clothing on the child’s body, it is strongly believed to be Matilda Sheils. Positive identification is pending an autopsy which will be conducted Friday, officials stated.
The body was discovered approximately 32 miles from where Matilda Sheils was reported missing in Bucks County.
The others who died in the severe flooding were Enzo De Piero, 78, and Linda De Piero, 74, of Newtown; Yuko Love, 64, of Newtown; and Susan Barnhart, 53, of Titusville, New Jersey, Bucks County Coroner Meredith Buck said.
Officials stated that the search for Conrad Sheils will continue on Friday. Marine assets will be deployed along the Delaware River, as well as K-9 units and divers, in order to search for the missing boy.