Samuel Garcia Javier, 25, of Coatesville, died after an accidental drowning in the Brandywine River at approximately 5:15 p.m. on Aug. 2.

According to police, Javier was swimming in the Brandywine River in the area near the Brandywine River Museum when he went into a deep part of the river. Authorities believe the strong current prevented Javier from returning to the shallow part. Javier reportedly began to wave his arms to signal for help, and two passersby saw him and swam in after him. Javier went under the water and could not be located for about five minutes, according to witnesses. One of the people attempting to help then located Javier near the river bank, and he was pulled out of the water. A 911 call was placed.

Initially, according to police, Javier was breathing and had a pulse, but he then began to stop breathing and his pulse weakened. Rescue crews from the Longwood Fire Company and Concordville Fire Company arrived on the scene, as did State Police from Avondale and Media. The terrain on the Chester County side of the river made it very difficult for emergency responders, so a rescue boat was sent out on the Delaware County side. Javier was retrieved and transported by Longwood EMS to Riddle Memorial Hospital. Efforts to revive Javier in the ambulance and at Riddle Memorial Hospital were unsuccessful.