May 2, 2002
A 13-year-old boy drowned while swimming in the Tookany Creek in Philadelphia. Four boys were swimming in the creek when a thunderstorm occurred. The heavy rain caused a rapid and significant, but within bankfull rise of the creek. The 13-year-old boy was unable to leave the creek and the others were unable to rescue him. His body was found about one hour later downstream.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 5299853). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.
This event is one of many recorded floods in Philadelphia County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.