Investigators have recovered the body of a 73-year-old Bensalem woman who was reported missing last night after she stepped out of a holiday party and never returned.
A crew of workers spotted the body of Jean Carson in the Delaware River near the Burlington-Bristol Bridge and called police, Bensalem Township Police Sgt. Andrew Aninsman said. It is unclear at the moment how Carson died or how long her body was in the water.
Police said Carson went missing last night while attending a small gathering on the 900 block of Haunted Lane. She was last seen around 10 p.m., when she went outside through the home’s rear, reportedly to have a cigarette.
The house backs up to the Neshaminy Creek, police said. Though the course of events is still unclear, the Neshaminy Creek feeds into the Delaware River, where Carson’s body was found less than five miles away.
Guests became concerned when Carson did not return after 15 minutes and contacted authorities. A team of about 65 emergency service workers from Bensalem and Croydon last night combed the woods surrounding the creek with assistance from a Philadelphia Police helicopter. Aninsman said that search was eventually called off until this morning due to poor visibility.
Carson was in good health and did not have any preexisting medical or mental issues, according to police. The investigation into her death is ongoing.
