Rescuers were called to Tyler State Park in Newtown Township around 12:15 p.m. after state police say a park resource ranger had been attempting to place a buoy in Neshaminy Creek when the kayak the worker was in capsized and the person went into the water.
Chopper 6 over the scene shows a buoy and a life vest tossing in the water at the edge of a dam.
Using a rope and inflatable boats, emergency crews searched for the worker for hours in the area near the dam.
State police identified the worker as a 38-year-old man from Delaware County.
Late Friday afternoon, the rescue effort turned to a recovery mission. Sources tell Action News crews had to retreat because of the tough current.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources closed the park for the day during the operation.
People who come here often and have interacted with the workers were shocked by this tragedy.
"It's a big park. Gosh, you think somebody was with him... If they had somebody else with him, they could've helped them and rescued them," said Krissy Houser from Holland.
State police have not released the worker's name, saying they're still notifying the family.