The body of Christopher Miller, of Yonkers, New York, was found yesterday. His brother Chad, an associate pastor at Westminster Presbyterian in Wilmington, is still missing and presumed dead.
The search for him was called off Wednesday afternoon. There are no plans to continue the search.
Two kayaks were found downstream, and authorities are trying to confirm that they were the kayaks used the by brothers yesterday, when the pair fatally plunged over the dam.
"I do know both went over a dam about four feet high. I have no information related to their experience or their plans," said Cheif Scott Bohn of the West Chester Police.
On Wednesday morning, police and firefighters resumed recovery efforts, but did not find Chad Miller's body.
Chad Miller's congregation is said to be devastated. The 34-year-old's easy smile and booming laugh led the church's mission and youth ministries.
"He had a passion for helping people, always concerned about homeless, people who are hurting, social justice issues," said Dr. Gregory Jones of Westminster Presbyterian.
In a written statement, the operator of a picnic park near the dam said the two men came from upstream and were not patrons. However, an employee saw them and warned them to get off the rising river. But, the operator said, the pair ignored the plea.
Doug Eglington, a boater familiar with the Brandywine, said there are warning signs above the dam, and normally one can hear the roard of the water.
"You hear the falls in advance, but with that kind of churning water maybe they didn't hear it," Eglington said. "It's a known hazard."
At this point, authorities are asking for the public's help in trying to find the truck they believe the two men were using. It's been identified as a 2001 gold Ford Ranger pick up truck with Delaware license plate number PC3003. If you know of or see the truck you are asked to contact police.
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