New Jersey man drowns in Adams Creek

BUSHKILL — A 27-year old man from Jersey City, New Jersey drowned on last Friday afternoon while swimming in Adams Creek within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Venatesh Sankar of Jersey City and nine companions, all male, were swimming in a pool in the creek. He apparently drowned while trying to assist another member of his group who was having difficulty swimming. At approximately 1:50 p.m., Pike County Control was notified of the incident. National Park Service rangers and emergency personnel from local volunteer fire companies, including Delaware Township, Dingmans Township, Hemlock Farms, Westfall Township, Milford, and the Bushkill Fire Company immediately responded. A National Park Service diver located and recovered Sankar’s body at 2:50 p.m. He was found in approximately 17 feet of water. He was pronounced dead by Pike County Coroner, Kevin Stroyan.