DSP News Release: Pennsylvania Man Dies in Swimming Accident

Location: Brandywine River located behind the DuPont Experimental Station, 600 Alapocas Drive, Wilmington, DE

Date of Occurrence:  Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 5:25 p.m.

Victim:  Rufus D. Karmo, 19, Sharon Hill, PA

Resume: 

Wilmington- The Delaware State Police are investigating an accidental drowning in which a Sharon Hill, PA man died that occurred late yesterday afternoon in Wilmington.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:25 p.m. July 7, as Rufus D. Karmo, 19, and two friends were swimming in the Brandywine River directly behind the DuPont Experimental Station, in Wilmington. Karmo, who was swinging from a rope which was hanging from a tree, jumped into the river, but never re-surfaced. The two friends called out to other people in the area for help. Several bystanders jumped into the river and located the victim in approximately 8-12 feet of water. They then removed him from the river and began conducting CPR on him with the help of a Department of Natural Resources police officer who had also responded to the scene. Rufus Karmo was then flown by the Life Net helicopter to the Christiana Hospital where he was admitted until he was pronounced dead at approximately 11:00 p.m. Karmo’s body was then turned over to the Delaware Medical Examiner’s office where an autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

This incident remains under investigation at this time.

Released Friday, July 08, 2011 at 3:30 p.m.