Two-year-old Nikolette Stewart was recovered from an inlet of the James River last week after she slipped and fell into the water. Her father exhausted attempts to save her and the Chesterfield County dive team found the small child about 15 feet from a trail walkway and pier.
The trail was located in the Dutch Gap Conservation Area. The Conservation Area is just south of Dominion Power. While the tragedy did not take place at Henricus Historical Park, the park was used as a staging area for search and rescue.
“All of us at Henricus Historical Park were deeply saddened to learn of the tragedy in the adjacent Dutch Gap Conservation Area. Henricus and Chesterfield County’s Dutch Gap Conservation Area provides a unique atmosphere of learning, recreation and adventure. We have always worked hard to keep an eye out for our neighbors,” said Charlie Grant, Executive Director of Henricus Historical Park. “Our parking lot was used as the staging area for rescue and recovery operations. We only wish we could have done more. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of young Miss Stewart.”
