Okaloosa County, Florida–The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the drowning of a 13-year-old from Fulton County Middle School on a Spring Break vacation.
According to the news release, the drowning occurred in the Gulf of Mexico. The boy’s name has not been released.
Deputies were called to 3690 Scenic Highway 98 around 11:30 a.m. Friday for a distressed swimmer.
According to the release, “Surfers had helped rescue several juveniles they spotted struggling in the water about 65 yards off shore, but one child could not be located. The OCSO, including the Marine Unit, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Beach Safety, EMS and Fire Departments searched for the missing swimmer. The Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife also assisted.”
Heartbreakingly, deputies said, he was located deceased in Gulf waters by the OCSO Marine Unit.
Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office photo.