New Jersey

Mom, Daughter Drown While Kayaking in Delaware River

A mother and daughter drowned in the Delaware River near New Jersey's Bull's Island State Park Friday night after they fell from their kayak into the water, officials said Saturday.

Rescue crews were called for the two kayakers in distress at 8:16 p.m., and multiple police and fire agencies responded to the location in the water, which is just northwest of Stockton, N.J., according to Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns III.

At 8:29 p.m., rescuers pulled one of the women from the river, but were unable to revive her. The second victim was recovered later on the Pennsylvania side of the river, also dead, officials said.

The victims have been identified as Doris Rake, 45, and her daughter, Kathryn Haney, 19, of Raritan Township, about 12 miles northeast of Bull's Island.

"Apparently the pair were experienced kayakers and were not wearing personal flotation devices," Kearns said in a statement. "This is a terrible tragedy and our condolences go out to their friends and family."

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