On July 15, 2023, a family visiting from Charleston, South Carolina, was tragically caught in a flash flood in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania. Among them was 9-month-old Conrad Shiels. The family was on their way to a barbecue when their vehicle was overwhelmed by a sudden deluge of water on Route 532. The catastrophic event occurred when an estimated seven inches of rain fell in about 45 minutes, creating a 'wall of water' that swept through the area. As the family attempted to escape the rising floodwaters, Conrad, his two-year-old sister Matilda 'Mattie' Shiels, and their mother, Katheryn Seley, were all swept away. The children's father and 4-year-old brother managed to get to safety. The children's grandmother was also swept away but thankfully survived.
The disappearance of Conrad and his sister launched an extensive and heart-wrenching search effort that drew in numerous agencies and volunteers.
For nearly two weeks, hundreds of searchers utilized drones, boats, K9 units, divers, and sonar technology to scour the land and waterways, including the Delaware River. The search was fraught with challenges, including difficult weather conditions that at times delayed underwater operations. The community rallied around the family, holding vigils and offering an outpouring of support during the agonizing wait for news. Tragically, the body of Conrad's mother, Katheryn Seley, was recovered, along with four other individuals who lost their lives in the flood. Several days into the search, the body of two-year-old Mattie was found in the Delaware River, more than 30 miles from where she was last seen.
Despite the exhaustive efforts to find him, the active search for Conrad Shiels was ultimately concluded after officials determined they had exhausted all available means of locating him. The Upper Makefield Township Police Department made the sorrowful announcement, expressing their heartbreak at being unable to reunite Conrad with his family. The case serves as a devastating reminder of the sudden and immense power of nature. The family, while grieving an unimaginable loss, expressed their deepest gratitude to all who were involved in the search and to the community for their love and support during such a difficult time. While the active search has ended, the memory of Conrad and the profound loss suffered by his family and the community endures.Last Seen: Jul 15, 2023
