Body recovered after man fell into South Jersey creek: officials

A body has been found after a contractor working on a residential property in Gloucester County lost his footing and fell into a creek, prompting a large-scale search and rescue mission.

What we know:

Multiple crews, including the Westville, New Jersey Fire and Police departments, were called to conduct a search and rescue mission after a contractor working on a residential property on the side of the building facing Big Timber Creek, lost his footing, fell down an embankment and into the creek.

The incident happened on Wednesday afternoon, around 1:30.

Those working near the man contacted emergency personnel immediately, while also trying to find apparatus for the man to grab.

His body was recovered Wednesday night after crews search the creek for hours.

What they're saying:

Westville’s police chief says the water can get rough.

"It’s probably over 10 feet. I grew up in this town, so I am pretty familiar with the water. It does get deep. There’s a strong current there. Sometimes the current can go both ways," Chief Michael Packer explained. "Other times, it has a strong undertow, so it really all depends."

Dive teams and marine units from Gloucester, Camden and Cumberland counties all assisted in the efforts.

Gloucester CountyNews