Published: August 25, 2008 08:51 pm            

MISSING GIRL: Body recovered is Magdalena Lubowska

The Erie County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed early Monday night that the body of a young girl found Saturday morning in the lower Niagara River is that of Magdelena Lubowska, a 12-year-old Bronx girl who was last seen as she was being swept away near Whirlpool State Park almost two weeks ago.

The confirmation followed an autopsy on the body and an examination by a forensic dentist. Dr. James Wytosh positively identified the remains, according to a New York State Park Police release.

The body was found Saturday. New York State Park Police said two kayakers discovered the body floating in the lower Niagara River between Lewiston and Youngstown.

Lubowska was pulled under by the river’s fast-moving currents Aug. 13 near the Whirlpool Rapids.

Lubowska’s parents, Mariusz and Katarzyna Lubowska, were informed of the body’s recovery and, after landing in New York City on Saturday, immediately flew back to Niagara Falls, according to their attorney, Gus Michael Farinella.

When Magdalena disappeared, she was one of 23 children, ages 7 to 17 years old, taking part in a two-week Polish Catholic camp run by 23-year-old Timothy Hedges and his mother, Eva, out of their Fourth Street home. Timothy, who is not a licensed tour guide, was the only adult supervising the children at Whirlpool State Park. Magdalena and at least several other campers were about 500 feet from the trail when she fell into the river, police have said.

A search for the girl had been ongoing since she was reported missing but continued efforts by foot, boat, jet ski and helicopter turned up nothing. Magdalena’s parents and residents around Niagara Falls held out hope Magdalena would be found safely. A vigil held Wednesday drew a crowd of more than 100 people praying for the girl’s recovery, including Magdalena’s parents.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.