Fisherman Drowns in South Jersey Creek

A New York City man has accidentally drowned in a southern New Jersey creek while fishing with two friends.

Authorities say 39-year-old Benjamin Mei of Brooklyn apparently lost his balance while trying to retrieve an item that had fallen in the water. They say Mei, who did not know how to swim, soon disappeared from view and his friends could not reach him.

The group was at Fenwick Creek in Mannington Township when Mei fell into the water around 10:40 a.m. Monday. His body was recovered a short time later.

State police, who have jurisdiction over the area, are investigating.

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