Police Chief Saves Tubing Friend Trapped Under Delaware River

When Kathy Van Duyne's tube struck a fallen tree on the Delaware River last August, the impact flipped her underwater and pinned her against bedrock. She thought she wouldn't survive.

Lebanon Township Police Chief Jason Cronce was floating behind her that day. When Van Duyne didn't resurface, he pushed off the tree but got pulled underwater himself.

"I could feel the bottom, but the current was strong," Cronce said. "I could just feel Kathy, but I didn't know she was stuck."

Van Duyne was trapped between the tree and the river bottom, held down by the current's pressure. Cronce reached her in the murky water and pulled her free.

About 35 feet downstream, the water calmed enough for Cronce and his brother-in-law to pull her onto a raft and get her to shore. The group of about 20 people, including both their families, had been enjoying what should have been a relaxing float trip on August 17.

Drought conditions had lowered the water level by about four feet that day, making the current faster and more dangerous than expected. Nobody in the group wore life jackets.

Cronce suffered bruises to his head, back, hand and toe during the rescue. He doesn't think what he did was extraordinary.

"I think anybody would have done what I did," said Cronce, who has served as a police officer for over 26 years. "That's my job, on or off duty. I want to help people."

Sunny's Take

Van Duyne sees it differently. In a letter to local officials, she wrote that Cronce's "quick thinking, strength and selflessness saved my life."

"Every time she sees me, she calls me her hero and gives me a hug," Cronce said.

Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renee Robeson called it "an extraordinary act of courage" that reflects "the very best of public service."

The 200 Club of Hunterdon County will honor Cronce on May 14 at its annual Valor and Merit Awards banquet. The event recognizes first responders and citizens who risk their lives to save others.

Cronce says he's humbled by the recognition. Van Duyne says she's just grateful to be alive to tell the story.