Camden Firefighter Dies in Delaware River Fall at Wiggins Park

Key Points

• A Camden Fire Department firefighter died after falling into the icy waters of the Delaware River late Thursday morning during a routine maintenance check of a fire boat.
• Rescuers were called to Wiggins Waterfront Park around 11 a.m. regarding a person who had fallen into the river.
• It is not yet known how the firefighter fell into the water, according to officials.
• Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen stated the city “will be there to support his family” and described the firefighter as “a husband, a brother, a father that committed his adult life to serving and protecting and being there for our residents in the city.”
• Camden Fire Chief Jesse Flax called the firefighter’s death “a tragic loss” during a Thursday news conference, adding, “At this time, the family has to fully come to grips with what just happened. Not everyone is aware of what happened. That’s the unfortunate thing about things happening so fast.”
• Five additional fire departments from the region, including Philadelphia, aided Camden during the response.
• Carstarphen emphasised community unity, saying, “In times like this, the city, we come together. Our community comes together. Any loss hurts all of us and today’s loss, it hurts every one of us.”
• The firefighter’s name has not been released to the public.
• WHYY News covered the incident, noting officials’ confirmation that it occurred during routine maintenance and posing a question to readers about New Jersey coverage priorities, with a link to feedback.

Camden, New Jersey (North London News) – February 6, 2026 – A firefighter from the Camden Fire Department tragically died after falling into the icy Delaware River during a routine maintenance check of a fire boat at Wiggins Waterfront Park.

What Happened During the Incident?

The emergency unfolded around 11 a.m. on Thursday when rescuers responded to reports of a person in the water at Wiggins Waterfront Park. As detailed in the initial WHYY News report, officials confirmed the incident occurred during standard maintenance on a fire boat, though the precise circumstances of the fall remain unclear.​

No further details on the mechanics of the fall have emerged from official channels, underscoring the sudden nature of the tragedy. The park, located along the Delaware River waterfront in Camden, became the focal point for a swift multi-agency response.

Who Responded to the Emergency?

Support poured in from five additional fire departments across the region, including units from Philadelphia, as confirmed by Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen. He highlighted this collaboration during public remarks, noting the rapid mobilisation amid the crisis.​

This regional assistance exemplifies the interconnected emergency services network in the Delaware Valley area, where Camden’s proximity to Philadelphia facilitates such joint operations.

What Did Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen Say?

As reported by WHYY News, Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen addressed the loss directly, pledging city support:

“He was a husband, a brother, a father that committed his adult life to serving and protecting and being there for our residents in the city.”

Carstarphen further stated the city “will be there to support his family” after the incident.​

Carstarphen also spoke to the communal impact, saying,

“In times like this, the city, we come together. Our community comes together. Any loss hurts all of us and today’s loss, it hurts every one of us.”

His words, delivered in the immediate aftermath, captured the profound grief rippling through Camden.

How Did Fire Chief Jesse Flax Describe the Loss?

Camden Fire Chief Jesse Flax labelled the death “a tragic loss” during a Thursday news conference, as covered by 6ABC in a video clip. Flax elaborated,

“At this time, the family has to fully come to grips with what just happened. Not everyone is aware of what happened. That’s the unfortunate thing about things happening so fast.”​

Flax’s conference remarks, accessible via the linked 6ABC footage, provided one of the earliest official insights into the emotional toll on the department and family.

Why Has the Firefighter’s Name Not Been Released?

The firefighter’s identity has not been disclosed to the public, respecting family privacy during this acute period of mourning. This decision aligns with standard protocols in such cases, allowing next of kin time to process the news privately before broader notification.​

Officials from both the Camden Fire Department and city leadership have maintained this stance in all public statements thus far.

What Makes This Incident Particularly Tragic?

The routine nature of the task—a standard fire boat maintenance check—amplifies the shock, as firefighters typically face peril in high-stakes calls rather than everyday upkeep. The icy Delaware River conditions in early February posed inherent risks, though specifics on weather’s role await investigation.​

Camden, a city with a storied fire service history, now grapples with an untimely loss that strikes at the heart of public safety operations.

How Has the Community Reacted So Far?

Mayor Carstarphen’s emphasis on unity reflects early signs of communal solidarity, with regional fire departments’ involvement symbolising broader support. While no formal memorials have been announced, the mayor’s remarks suggest a collective embrace of the bereaved family.​

Residents and officials alike have voiced sorrow, positioning this as a loss felt citywide.

What Is Known About Wiggins Waterfront Park?

Wiggins Waterfront Park serves as a key public space in Camden, adjacent to the Delaware River and often used for community events. Its location made it an accessible site for the fire boat maintenance, but the river’s swift, cold currents turned perilous in this instance.​

The park’s role in the story highlights the dual-edged nature of waterfront infrastructure for emergency services.

What Challenges Do Firefighters Face on the Delaware River?

Routine maintenance on fire boats exposes crews to water hazards, particularly in winter when ice amplifies dangers. Officials noted the incident’s occurrence during such a check, but investigations will likely probe safety protocols.​

Philadelphia’s involvement underscores the river’s jurisdictional complexities, shared between New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

When Was the News Conference Held?

The news conference featuring Fire Chief Jesse Flax took place on Thursday, coinciding with the incident’s immediacy. Coverage by 6ABC included a video clip capturing Flax’s poignant reflections on the family’s shock.​

This timely briefing helped disseminate facts while honouring the gravity of the moment.

Who Is Victor Carstarphen and His Role in Camden?

Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen, as the city’s chief executive, stepped forward as a key voice, blending condolence with resolve. His statements, as reported by WHYY News, positioned him as a bridge between administration and affected families.​

Carstarphen’s tenure has seen efforts to bolster public safety, making this loss poignant against ongoing departmental enhancements.

What Is Jesse Flax’s Position in the Fire Department?

As Camden Fire Chief, Jesse Flax leads the department confronting this tragedy head-on. His conference comments, per 6ABC, conveyed both professional assessment and human empathy.​

Flax’s leadership will prove crucial in the ensuing review and support phases.

Why Involve Philadelphia Firefighters?

The inclusion of Philadelphia’s department among the five aiding units speaks to longstanding inter-agency ties across the river. Mayor Carstarphen praised this response, illustrating seamless cooperation.​

Such alliances are vital for riverine emergencies exceeding local capacity.

What Does WHYY News Say About Coverage Priorities?

WHYY News, in its article, extended an invitation for reader input on New Jersey stories, linking from Camden and Cherry Hill to Trenton and the Jersey Shore:

“From Camden and Cherry Hill to Trenton and the Jersey Shore, what about life in New Jersey do you want WHYY News to cover? Let us know.”​

This call underscores public broadcasting’s engagement model amid local crises.

How Does This Fit into Broader Fire Service Risks?

Firefighters nationwide encounter unforeseen perils, but water rescues and maintenance mishaps remain stark reminders of complacency’s cost. Camden’s incident, though isolated, reignites discussions on training and equipment.​

The department’s forthcoming inquiry may yield protocol refinements.

What Next Steps Are Expected?

While no timeline for name release or investigation results has been specified, standard procedures suggest family consultations first. City support commitments from Carstarphen indicate ongoing aid.​

The community awaits clarity, honouring a dedicated public servant’s legacy.

Broader Context: Camden’s Fire Service Legacy

Camden Fire Department personnel embody resilience in a city facing socioeconomic hurdles. This firefighter’s lifelong service, as eulogised by the mayor, mirrors countless unsung contributions.​

The loss reverberates, fortifying communal bonds.