A young girl's body found in a river in Philadelphia on Friday is strongly believed to be that of 2-year-old Matilda Sheils, who was swept away along with her brother in floodwaters a week ago, officials say.
The child’s body was found in the Delaware River near the city’s wastewater treatment plant after 911 callers reported the body just after 5 p.m., Upper Makefield Fire Chief Tim Brewer said.
“Based on the physical description of the child and the clothing found on the child, we strongly believe that 2-year-old Mattie Sheils has been found,” Brewer said at a news conference. Two 911 callers reported a body in the river. The first was at 5:04 p.m. but had limited information, Brewer said, and the second at 5:06 had more details including a location.The child was found in debris up against a pier, Brewer said. He called it a tragedy and said the entire community has been affected, and their thoughts were with the children’s family.The body was found 32 miles away from where the children were lost, Brewer said.
"We will be in the water tomorrow, as planned," Brewer said."We will work tirelessly to ensure that Conrad is found."The father of the children grabbed a 4-year-old boy and reached safety, and Matilda and Conrad’s mother and grandmother grabbed those two children, but all four were swept away. The grandmother survived.
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