The tragedy happened in Marsh Creek around 2:30 p.m. Sunday, not far from the Poplar Neck Bridge near Preston. (Photo: WBOC)
PRESTON, Md.- A Father's Day celebration on Sunday turned tragic for one family on the Midshore when a mother drowned trying to save her child in Caroline County.
The Maryland Natural Resources Police said it happened in Marsh Creek around 2:30 p.m. Sunday, not far from the Poplar Neck Bridge near Preston.
Authorities said the family from Easton was fishing when the 2-year-old boy fell over the bridge.
When the boy went in the water, both the mother and father jumped in to save him but a strong tide swept the mother away.
Authorities identified her as 22-year-old Rosa Chalin of Easton. Her body was found shortly after 6 p.m. Sunday not far from where the incident happened.
They also said Chalin did not know how to swim.
"My heart beats for the family you know and especially for the little child," said fisherman Kenneth Watkins of Hurlock. "It's real sad because I got grandchildren that age. And the thing is I feel bad about the situation, but I feel she was not right for having the child out here."
Chief Bryan Milligan of Preston Volunteer Fire Company said the area has had its share of several drownings in past years.
"The tide can be a little tricky as in here and at Dover Bridge and Ganey's Wharf and all along the backend bridge," he said, "We have had several drownings over the past 10 years or so and not being able to swim is a big factor."
The NRP said the toddler was taken to Memorial Hospital at Easton for precautionary reasons.
