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Jim Sheils and Katie Seley were in the area visiting family with their three children on Saturday, July 15, when their car was disabled by rising water, Daily Voice has reported.
Sheils and the couple's 4-year-old son Jack were able to escape the flood, while Seley, her mother Dahlia, 2-year-old Matilda, and 9-month-old Conrad were swept away, police have said.
Dahlia was rescued and treated at an area hospital, while her daughter was found dead by first responders hours later, according to authorities. As of Tuesday, July 18, search teams are still looking for Matilda and Conrad who have not been seen since.
Erin Sheils Ellis, Jim's sister, said on GoFundMe that the family was en route to her parent's house when the disaster struck.
"As you can imagine, we are completely devastated by this unthinkable nightmare," she wrote.
Ellis launched the campaign on Monday, July 18 to "provide some relief for Jack and Jim." In less than 24 hours, loved ones and well-wishers donated close to $80,000 for the surviving Sheils.
Those who gave wrote messages of support for the grieving family.
"I have wonderful memories of Katie and the Seley family growing up," said Wendy Leber. "I remember her as such a fun, free, vibrant, spirited person. So, so sorry for your loss."
"My family has lived on Aqueduct Rd in Upper Makefield since 1983. We spent many happy days playing in Houghs Creek, fishing for Herring during their spring spawning runs up the creek from the Delaware River, and playing hide n' seek in the big hollow Sycamore trees on the South bank of the creek," said Ronald Koniz.
"It is with profound sadness that the creek we loved so much has swept away Mattie, Conrad, and Katie. Our prayers are with them."
Click here to support the Sheils family campaign on GoFundMe.com.
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