Brooklyn Fisherman Drowns in NJ Creek

Benjamin Mei, 39, apparently lost his balance while trying to retrieve an item that had fallen in the water, authorities say

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

Authorities say 39-year-old Benjamin Mei of Brooklyn apparently lost his balance while trying to net a fish he had caught.

They say Mei, who did not know how to swim, was quickly pulled down the creek by the strong currents and winds. He soon disappeared from view, and his friends were unable to reach him.

The group was at Fenwick Creek in Mannington Township when Mei fell into the water around 10:40 a.m. Monday. He was unresponsive when found nearly an hour later, and was pronounced dead at a hospital short time later.

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

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