2 Missing Men Found Dead in Del. Creek

The search for two friends who went missing in Delaware during Hurricane Irene came to an end Monday morning.

Authorities say the bodies of Christopher Valentine, 25, of Hockessin and Jean Baptista, 25, of  Clark, New Jersey, were found in Mill Creek in Hockessin.

The creek was swollen during the storm, according to authorities.

The bodies of the men were found by rescue crews after a two-hour search in different locations in the creek suggesting that they were seperated by the strong current.

"I don't know what could happen," said Valentine's mother Yolanda before the bodies were found. "It was bad weather."

Delaware Gov. Jack Markell released the following statement regarding the deaths of Valentine and Baptista:

"While we had hoped and prayed our state would get through this dangerous hurricane without the loss of life, we now know that is not the case. I offer my condolences to the families and friends of Christopher Valentine and Jean Baptista, as I know this will be a time of great difficulty for their families and those close to them."

Police say the men were walking home from a friend's house around midnight Saturday during the peak of Hurricane Irene.


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