New Barriers at Unruh St.
Since a driver's death, the dangerous drop to the river is no more.
The family of Joseph "Babe" McGeehan is grateful that the city has erected a series of cement bollards at the eastern base on Unruh St. in the lower Northeast, where it meets the Delaware River. They're just sad that it appears it took the death of Babe for anyone to realize that a hazard existed in the first place.
As I wrote in my column, Babe went missing the night of Jan. 7th. His family figured out, within 48 hours, what had happened to him: He'd driven down Unruh St., which is dark and poorly lit, and went over the street's berm, into the river. A surveillance video from a nearby business showed Babe's car heading down Unruh, its brake lights briefly tapping before the car disappears.
Police pulled Babe's Jeep from the river, but his body wasn't in it. For two horrible weeks, the family kept vigil at the water, hoping his body would surface. The Philadelphia Police Marine Unit wouldn't risk its divers' lives to search for the body, as the Delaware is choked, below the surface, with tons of trash and debrius that, combined with the river's wicked currents, make for dangerous exploration.
Finally, Good Samaritan volunteer divers from Garden State Underwater Recovery Unit came to the family's aid and pulled Babe to the surface within an hour of entering the water.
On Friday, March 16th, the family is holding a celebration of Babe's life at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 3300 Knorr St. (Rowland and Knorr), from 8pm to midnight. The party is also a fund-raiser, with proceeds going to Garden State, which relies almost entirely on public donations.
(For ticket information contact Stacey 267-615-9010, or Stephanie 267-981-7389. Or e-mail Jns2617@aol.com).