LEWES, DE — A tragic incident has left a family and community in mourning after 18-year-old Yorch Niz-Chilel, a Harrington resident originally from Guatemala, is presumed dead following a fishing accident on the Broadkill River. The Delaware State Police confirmed that the young man went missing Tuesday afternoon, July 15, 2025, in what authorities describe as a devastating accident.
According to the Lewes Fire Department, Niz-Chilel was fishing with family members when he slipped from a piece of wood along the riverbank and fell into the water. Despite immediate attempts by those present to locate him, he could not be found, prompting a large-scale response from emergency services.
**A Swift but Somber Response**
Emergency crews, including the Delaware State Police, Sussex County EMS, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), and multiple fire companies, mobilized quickly. Divers, marine police vessels, and helicopters from the U.S. Coast Guard joined the effort, searching the river through the afternoon and into the evening. By nightfall, officials announced that the operation had shifted from rescue to recovery, with Niz-Chilel presumed deceased.
John Watson of the Lewes Fire Department described challenging conditions faced by responders, with the river’s currents and environment complicating the search. Despite exhaustive efforts, including aerial support from the U.S. Coast Guard in Cape May, New Jersey, and vessels from the USCG Lewes Station, Niz-Chilel could not be located.
**A Family’s Grief**
For Niz-Chilel’s family, the loss is unimaginable. He was fishing with his uncle and cousin, enjoying a cherished family tradition that held deep meaning for their close-knit Guatemalan family. “He was just standing there, and then he was gone,” a family member recounted, still reeling from the suddenness of the tragedy.
Niz-Chilel’s aunt, Cecilia Morales, spoke to CoastTV News in Spanish, her voice heavy with emotion. “I loved him like a son,” she said, noting that her own son is close in age to Yorch. “He was a very humble and very good young man. I don’t have the words to describe all this pain.” Morales reflected on the heartbreak of Niz-Chilel’s mother, who remains in Guatemala, grappling with the loss from afar.
**A Young Life Full of Promise**
Yorch Niz-Chilel came to the United States with dreams of opportunity and a better future. Living in Harrington, he worked diligently alongside family members, embodying a quiet determination and warmth that touched those around him. At just 18, he was known for his kindness, humility, and strong work ethic.
“He was a good soul,” a family friend shared. “This is a devastating loss—not just for his family, but for everyone who knew him.” Coworkers and neighbors in Harrington described him as someone who offered help willingly and carried himself with respect and care.
**Community Support and Reflection**
The tragedy has deeply affected both the Harrington community and the broader Guatemalan immigrant community in Sussex County. As word of Niz-Chilel’s disappearance spread, community members, volunteers, and local advocates rallied to support the family. Pastors and immigrant support groups have stepped in to provide emotional and practical assistance during this difficult time.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of life’s fragility, particularly for families who, like Niz-Chilel’s, have left their home countries in pursuit of a brighter future. His story resonates as one of quiet resilience, love for family, and the pursuit of dreams—qualities that leave a lasting mark despite his brief life.
**Honoring Yorch Niz-Chilel**
What began as a joyful afternoon of fishing has ended in heartbreak, but Yorch Niz-Chilel’s memory endures through the love he shared and the lives he touched. His story is a poignant call to cherish every moment and to hold close the quiet heroes in our communities.
The community extends its deepest condolences to Niz-Chilel’s family and friends. May they find solace in the outpouring of support and the enduring legacy of a young man whose kindness and dreams will not be forgotten.
