38-year-old Alec Campbell Found Dead Few Days After Going Missing

His body was recovered two days after he went missing, prompting an outpouring of grief and reflection on his service.

A tragic discovery brought a somber end to the search for Alec Campbell, a 38-year-old park resource ranger from Delaware County, Pennsylvania, who went missing after his boat overturned on the Neshaminy Creek.

Tyler State Park in Bucks County reopened to visitors on Tuesday, May 27, following a temporary closure as crews searched for Campbell. The park had remained closed throughout Sunday and Monday while multiple agencies combed the area for signs of the missing ranger.

The incident occurred just before noon on Friday, May 23, when Campbell’s boat capsized while he was on duty on the Neshaminy Creek, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Pennsylvania State Police, who are leading the investigation, said they were alerted to the situation shortly before 12:30 p.m. Chopper 3 captured footage of water rescue teams combing the Neshaminy Creek in the search for the missing ranger.

Multiple agencies were involved in both the search and the ongoing investigation, including the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Northampton Township Fire Department, Newtown Emergency Services Department, New Hope Fire Department, Lingohocken Fire Department, Upper Makefield Fire Company, and the Bucks County Special Operations Dive Team.

Pennsylvania State Representative Kristin Marcell, whose district covers Tyler State Park, said she had been heartbroken upon learning about the incident involving the missing park ranger.

“My thoughts are with the employee’s family, loved ones, and fellow park staff during this difficult time. I am deeply grateful to the first responders and emergency personnel for their swift response and continued efforts on the scene,” she noted.

Authorities initially withheld the ranger’s identity, describing him only as a 38-year-old man from Delaware County. His name was later confirmed as Alec Campbell after his body was found on Sunday, May 25. The recovery was announced by both the state police and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Campbell’s death has left a void among his colleagues and the community he served. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn penned in a statement, “We are deeply saddened by the death of Alec Campbell, a dedicated member of our Pennsylvania state park staff.”

Dunn praised Campbell’s dedication and passion, saying it had a meaningful impact on many people, and his death has been deeply felt throughout the community. She noted that his memory is being honored, and condolences have been extended to all who are grieving.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources also shared a statement, remembering Campbell for his deep passion for life and remarkable ability to connect with others. They shared that he brought warmth, humor, and dedication to all that he pursued.

A hiker and paddler, he also had a strong love for nature, spending countless hours planting native species and restoring natural areas by removing invasive plants.

“Alec was a thoughtful educator, drawing on his background in psychology and his experience as a devoted father to make meaningful connections with park visitors, volunteers, and students. He guided many Eagle Scout and youth projects at Tyler and always found a way to engage his audience,” the department added.

They also shared that a middle school group once described Campbell as “super chill and funny,” a description they considered one of the highest forms of praise. The department said that their thoughts are with his family, friends, and the Tyler State Park team during this difficult time.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also sent his condolences via X, writing, ” Lori and I are praying for the family and friends of Alec Campbell, a DCNR Resource Ranger whose life was tragically cut short in Tyler State Park this weekend. I’ve ordered flags at all Commonwealth facilities to half-staff this Tuesday in his honor.”

Shapiro shared that he had spoken with Campbell’s wife, Rena, expressing deep gratitude for his service to the state. He emphasized that Campbell’s contributions will not be forgotten and that his memory will continue to be cherished.

Haley Richter, a longtime friend of the Campbell family who organized a GoFundMe campaign, described the park resource ranger as a bright and energetic presence who was deeply loved by those around him. She noted that he was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend.

His passing leaves behind his wife, Rena, and their two young sons, Calder, who is soon to turn 9, and Miles, aged 5. Richter launched the fundraiser to help build college funds and savings for the boys’ futures. At the time of publication, the campaign had raised $67,187 toward its $75,000 goal.

Meanwhile, his friend Ryan Andrew Chudd was left with a heavy heart following Campbell’s passing.

He wrote that Campbell enjoyed disc golf, adding, “During the pandemic, Alec and I played many courses together, including Tyler. He was a tremendous outdoorsman, smart, clever, kind, and radiant. He’d be bummed that the park was closed this weekend while they search for him. So please, enjoy the outdoors where you can with your friends and family.”

Campbell will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. His legacy lives on through the impact he made in his community and the dedication he showed in his work protecting and preserving Pennsylvania’s natural spaces.