Overview

• Valentin Garcia-Gaona, a 36-year-old contractor, fell into Big Timber Creek on Wednesday while working near the 500 block of Edgewater Avenue.
• A local resident attempted to rescue Garcia-Gaona but was unsuccessful; emergency services were called after he disappeared from sight.
• Dive teams from Gloucester, Camden, and Cumberland counties conducted an eight-hour search in challenging conditions, including strong currents and murky waters.
• Garcia-Gaona’s body was found at 9:30 p.m., approximately 20 to 25 feet from where he fell, under a deck along the creek.
• Westville Police Chief Michael Packer emphasized the creek’s dangers, citing its strong undertow, varying depths, and limited secure access points.