After days of extensive searches that yielded no leads in the death of a 10-year-old Ohio boy swept off the shore of Lake Erie, the Conneaut Police Department confirmed Tuesday that Hunter Eby’s body has been recovered and transported to the Cuyahoga County Coroner’s Office.
“It is with great sadness that we report that 10-year-old Hunter has been rescued safely,” police said in an update Tuesday. “Please keep Hunter’s family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Ohio diver found dead in Lake Erie
Authorities say the body of a missing 10-year-old boy has been found in Lake Erie after a days-long search. (Connaught Police Station)
Police said Eby was visiting Conneaut Township park with his mother and a friend on Friday afternoon when he was swept away by a strong rip current.
According to a GoFundMe organized by a family friend, the boy died in front of his family in tears.
“Hunter was ankle-deep in water and was swept away,” the GoFundMe statement said. “This happened right in front of his family, with his mother, Diana, nearly risking her life battling the waves in an attempt to find Hunter.”
Lake Erie with the Cleveland skyline in the background. (Angelo Merendino/Corbis via Getty Images)
The family’s statement: From FOX 8“Words cannot describe how grateful I am to him. He was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and just a caring and loving kid,” the message read.
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“We offer you more lifesaving equipment. [are needed]”Watch out for rip currents and educate those who are unaware of their strength,” the family statement said. “We do not want any more victims to die in this tragic ocean accident. Hunter will be forever loved and missed.”
Prior to the boy’s death, the National Weather Service issued a rip current warning Friday morning and advised swimmers to stay out of the water.
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If you are caught in a rip current, the NWS recommends:
- Don’t go against the flow
- Get out of the current and swim to shore
- If you can’t escape, float or immerse yourself in water.
- If you need help, please call or wave for help.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Conneaut Police Department for comment.
