Family IDs missing boater found dead in Delaware River

WEST DEPTFORD, N.J. (WPVI) -- Family members have identified the 46-year-old man whose body was recovered from the Delaware River in Gloucester County.

After several hours of searching, the body of Chris Allen was found at the bottom of the river around 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

His family tells Action News that around 1:30 Sunday afternoon, Allen jumped off his friend's boat to go for a swim, like he had so many times before.

He wasn't wearing a life jacket and a current pulled him under.

Dawn Miller was out on the water and saw people trying to help.

"There was another gentleman that was on a WaveRunner who'd seen him go down and tried to go over to him. And just as he got over to him, he got sucked down again," said Miller.

It was too late, and Allen never resurfaced.

"We were like, 'What's going on?' And people on their jet skis got sent back and they were like, 'Oh, someone was drowning,'" said Kayla Stover.

"I just heard someone was drowning, I saw the cops and instantly I felt concerned," said Melissa Emmons.

Allen's family didn't want to speak on camera but tell Action News that the Camden native was a strong swimmer who came out on his best friend's boat often.

The father of four had just celebrated his 46th birthday on Saturday.