New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | March 28, 2024

Rescue crews recover body of 8-year old from Pamunkey River

By Andre Jones | July 27, 2015 6:28 am

Joel Martinez Mercado

Photo courtesy of the Mercado family

The body of an eight-year old boy who fell off a pier near the Eltham Bridge into the Pamunkey River was recovered during the early morning hours on July 27.

Joel Martinez Mercado was pronounced dead after a 12-hour search upon a report of his disappearance.

New Kent Sheriff’s Office spearheaded a search on Sunday, July 26 after receiving a call around 5 p.m. that an adult and child fell into the river near Mill Creek in Eltham. Rescue crews from New Kent, West Point, James City County, and the United States Coast Guard arrived, pulling the adult from the water. Unfortunately, the eight-year old was not located prior to divers discontinuing the search at 11 p.m. Members of the U.S. Coast Guard continued the search as emergency crews established a command center at the 7-Eleven in Eltham. At approximately 4:22 a.m. the following morning, U.S. Coast Guard members located the body.

New Kent Fire Chief Rick Opett commented about the situation during the July 28 New Kent Board of Supervisors’ work session, revealing more in-depth details and the difficulty of obtaining information that had occurred.

“It was very scary because we [New Kent Fire & Rescue] did not receive the call until shortly after 5 p.m.,” said Opett. “According to the owner of the pier, the family was out there prior to 10 a.m.

“We began to receive information that the boy had probably fell into the river probably before noon,” the fire chief said. “His mother jumped in after him with keys and phone in hand and that was probably why she couldn’t call for help. It wasn’t until later that she was spotted and rescued.”

New Kent supervisors asked about the situation, looking for ways to prevent tragedies and establishing ways to overcome the communication barrier.

“You never want to hear about these type of things but there has to be a better way to get people to reach out and communicate for help with us,” said District 5 representative Ray Davis. “I know that the family’s native language isn’t English, but we have to find a way to offer some sort of program to help these people become comfortable about coming to us.”

“Do you think they are afraid to speak with us?” questioned District 1 Thomas Evelyn, who was inquiring about how information about the incident was depicted through media. “I know it can be scary when a person tries to communicate what happened in another language and recap it, but they are our citizens and we care about each one of them.”

Joel’s death is the second death of a New Kent student within a three-week time frame. Rising New Kent sophomore Maurice Bey died after playing a game a basketball on July 15. A prayer service for the young boy was held on July 28. His funeral followed on July 29 at Our Lady of the Most Blessed Catholic Church in West Point with an outpouring of support for the family.

Joel achieved honor roll every quarter since entering New Kent Elementary School. Superintendent of schools David Myers commented about the loss of the bright student.

“Our hearts definitely go out to the family,” said an emotional Myers. “It was devastating news. We know it can be challenging when dealing with grief but we will have staff to assist students and teachers anyway possible.”

Efforts are underway to support the family. Donations are currently being accepted by Proclaiming Grace Outreach in Barhamsville by calling (757) 810-4337. A monetary account has been set up in Joel’s name at C&F Bank and donations are being accepted in his name at the Quinton, Providence Forge, and West Point branches. There is also a life jacket drive on Aug. 8 at Lovell’s in West Point from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. with donations of life jackets being received to bring awareness of safety on the river. Support is also being accepted through a GoFundMe account that has also been established to help the family with funeral costs. To donate, visit http://www.gofundme.com/joelmercado.