Family of missing fisherman found dead in Delaware River hold vigil looking for closure

Published

2 years ago

July 30, 2024

Family of missing fisherman found dead in Delaware River hold vigil looking for closure

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Family and friends gathered along the Delaware River Monday night to celebrate the life of one of their loved ones.

Through prayer and memories, loved ones shared a few words to honor 42-year-oldDarnell Dogan.

They gathered along the river in Philadelphia because it’s a spot he visited often to fish. It’s also the last spot Dogan was seen before he went missing.

“Last Thursday they found his body in the water. We don’t know the circumstance — suspicious circumstances,” said Juanita Johnson, Dogan’s mother.

Dogan’s family said he was out on a boat last Tuesday night with people they didn’t know.

That was the last time they heard from him.

By Wednesday afternoon, his family reported him missing.

“He loved his family, he loved his religion, his dogs, and he loved fishing. That’s why we’re here,” said Johnson.

Some kind of material was seen around Dogan’s wrists when the marine unit found him floating in the water on Thursday.

When the missing person report was filed, detectives say they spoke with the people who were on the boat with Dogan.

Police said the death is suspicious, but no charges have been filed at this time.

“That was my best friend, and to know I’m not gonna get a call from him, not talk to him anymore — nobody can understand except people who went through this,” pleaded Johnson.

Homicide detectives are working on the case, and the cause of death is still pending from the medical examiner’s office.

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Body found near Bowers Beach – 47abc

Published

1 hour ago

April 23, 2026

Press Room

BOWERS BEACH, Del. – Delaware State Police say a body was found near Bowers Beach on Tuesday.

Around 12:40 p.m. on April 21, Delaware State Police, Delaware Natural Resources Police and local fire companies responded to the Delaware Bay, about a mile offshore from the Bowers Beach area after commercial watermen discovered an unknown deceased man in the water.

The victim was recovered and turned over to the Office of Forensic Science for identification and to determine the cause of death.

The investigation remains active and on-going.

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Delaware

Humane Society of Delaware County picks new CEO

Published

13 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Press Room

Humane Society of Delaware County picks new CEO

The Humane Society of Delaware County has appointed a new leader as the organization’s longtime director moves toward retirement.

The animal rescue group’s board appointed Amanda Wampler as its new CEO, effective May 11, the organization posted on Facebook April 21.

Jana Cassidy, the humane society’s executive director for nearly a decade, is transitioning toward retirement and will now serve as chief operating officer in the near term to ensure a smooth transition.

The post from society Board President Megan Ricci says the board is confident Cassidy’s and Wampler’s experience, dedication and talents will elevate the humane society as it strives to build a new 22,000-square-foot facility that will be a go-to destination for adoption, veterinary care, training, boarding, and grooming.

“HSDC could not be in better hands than with these two extraordinary women,” the post reads.

Wampler is a proven nonprofit executive with experience in animal welfare and a demonstrated ability to help organizations expand and thrive, according to the humane society’s post.

Wampler currently is the national operations director for Siemer Institute, a Columbus-based organization that helps families across the U.S. achieve housing stability and enhance their children’s educational prospects, according to Wampler’s LinkedIn page. She also worked for the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department from 2016 to 2023.

Delaware County and eastern Columbus suburbs reporter Maria DeVito can be reached at mdevito@dispatch.com and @mariadevito13.dispatch.com on Bluesky and @MariaDeVito13 on X

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