Emergency crews responded to kayakers who were in need of help along the Delaware River on Tuesday.

According to the New Hope Eagle Volunteer Fire Company, on Tuesday, March 10, at 3:33 p.m., crews were alerted about a report of at least two kayakers in distress in the area of the Delaware River wing dam.

Officials said that while crews responded, additional calls came in that one person had reached shore, but the second person had drifted downstream and was out of sight in the fast-moving water.

Based on that information, officials said some crews headed for the ramp at Fireman’s Eddy off of Route 29 in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, while another set of crews went to the park near Bowman’s Tower on River Road.

Officials said one person was found with both kayaks on the New Jersey shoreline, and he did not require any help.

The other person was found by crews near a boat ramp, after officials said he had swam to shore.

“With this quick burst of spring-like weather, never underestimate the power of moving water,” officials wrote. “With the recent rain and snowmelt, the river is running high and fast. And the water is still cold! Being in the water draws heat from your body about twenty-five times faster than air of the same temperature. Hypothermia only adds to the dangers this time of year.”

A Florida Republican gubernatorial candidate has taken his grievances to social media, claiming that Waffle House has banned him from its locations across the state.

HALL COUNTY, Ga. – As a community mourns the death of Jason Hughes, the 18-year-old accused in his death has pledged to live the rest of his life in memory of his former teacher, according to a statement released by his family.  

What they’re saying:

Jayden Ryan Wallace faces felony charges of first-degree vehicular homicide and reckless driving after a Mar. 6 prank that turned fatal.

Deputies said the incident happened around 11:40 p.m. after Hughes caught a group of teenagers throwing toilet paper across his yard. When Hughes ran to catch the teens as they were fleeing, he slipped on wet pavement into the path of a vehicle driven by Wallace.  

Authorities said the group stayed with Hughes, trying to help him, until he was taken to a hospital.

Wallace’s family said Coach Hughes “meant the world” to him, and they are in “deep remorse and grieving” over his loss.

Wallace expressed his sorrow over what happened that night when he and four other teenagers had pulled a prank on Hughes, who taught at North Hall High School.

“I pledge to live out the remainder of my life in a manner that honors the memory of Coach Hughes by exemplifying Christ. He will never be forgotten,” Wallace said. 

Dig deeper:

Hughes’ brother-in-law, Ben Palmer, said the family believes his death was a tragic accident and has called for the charges to be dropped against the teens.

In a written message to media outlets, Palmer said Hughes was aware the students were coming to his home and was excited about the prank.

Additionally, Palmer said that Hughes loved the students involved and did not want their lives permanently affected by the incident.

“We are thankful for the outpouring of prayers and support as we grieve the loss of Jason. We ask that you continue to pray for our family and also for the students involved in the accident, along with their families. Please join us in extending grace and mercy to them as Christ has done for us,” the Hughes family said in a statement.

School district officials said Hughes was beloved by his students and colleagues as the community continues to mourn his passing.

What you can do:

A GoFundMe in memory of Hughes has raised nearly half a million dollars as of Mar. 11.

To see the fundraiser, click here.