Kevin Poole.Photo: Facebook
The body of a 15-year-old boy has been identified asKevin Poole, one of the three children whowent missingin the Mississippi River on April 23.
“Today’s news about the recovery of 15-year-old Kevin Poole Jr.’s body from the Mississippi River is absolutely heartbreaking,” New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrellwrotein a statement on Twitter.
“No parent should have to endure the tragedy of losing a child. Words can never be enough in such a devastating moment,” Cantrell continued. “My thoughts and my prayers are with his family at this time as they will be for some time to come.”
The sisters have not yet been found.
Ally Berry Wilson and Brandy Wilson.gofundme
“Kevin often dreamed of playing football for an SEC school someday and pursuing a career in coastal management or environmental stewardship,” read a message shared on aGoFundMeto help cover memorial and funeral costs.
“Sadly we lost Kevin around 5 p.m. Saturday,” continued the message, which explained that Brandy, his girlfriend, “slipped and fell.” Then, her little sister “went in after her trying to save her.” In an attempt to help them both, Kevin went into the “turbulent waters…but ended up being swept up in its strong current as well.“Kevin’s 5-year-old brother, who was also present, then went to find help, per the GoFundMe.
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The U.S. Coast Guard suspended their search and rescue efforts on April 24.
“The decision to suspend any search and rescue case is never easy but considering the extensive search efforts of our Coast Guard men and women, in conjunction with other response agencies, I’ve made the difficult decision to suspend our active search for the three children,” Capt. Kelly Denning, Coast Guard Sector New Orleans commander said in apress release. “Our prayers are with the families during this difficult time.”
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“My daughter said she was trying to give me a break,” she said. “I don’t need a break, I need my children.”
AGoFundMehas also been created help support Brandy and Ally’s parents, as well as the sisters' five siblings.
“Our ‘Two [Angels]’ are on a journey to heaven,” read a message from their family on the fundraising page. “Being around them you’ll know they were full of love and life and always ready to have fun.”
“They were full of life,” Berry said, according to the outlet. “It was always joy with me and my kids.”
source: people.com
