Two men missing in Delaware during hurricane found dead

New Castle County Police have found the bodies of two men, who went missing after taking a walk as Hurricane Irene battered the state.

Officers say two search crews found the bodies of 25-year-old Christopher Valentine and 25-year-old Jean Baptista at 1:50 Monday afternoon in Mill Creek, south of Valley Road in Hockessin.

Police say the pair were last seen in Hockessin around midnight with the last communication coming in the form of a text message sent to a friend that said they were running through the hurricane.  

Governor Markell issued a statement following the discovery of the bodies Monday afternoon.  “While we had hoped and prayed our state would get through this dangerous hurricane without the loss of life, we now know that is not the case.  I offer my condolences to the families and friends of Christopher Valentine and Jean Baptista, as I know this will be a time of great difficulty for their families and those close to them.”

Officers found the GMC Envoy they were driving earlier in the night at a restaurant in the Shops at Limestone Hills.

According to police, their bodies have been turned over to the Delaware State Medical Examiner to determine cause of death.