Ohio boy swept away by waves while playing at the beach: police

Law enforcement in Ohio recovered the body of a 10-year-old boy who was swept away by a rip current while exploring a Lake Erie beach with his mother and a friend.

Jun 13, 2024 - 07:49
Ohio boy swept away by waves while playing at the beach: police

After a multi-day large-scale search of Lake Erie failed to reveal any clues after a 10-year-old boy from Ohio was swept away from a lakeside beach, the Conneaut Police Department confirmed on Tuesday that Hunter Ebie's body was recovered and taken to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office.

"It is with great sadness to report 10-year-old Hunter has been recovered," the department said in an update Tuesday. "Please keep Hunter’s family in your thoughts and prayers."

OHIO DIVER FOUND DEAD IN LAKE ERIE

Police said that Ebie was carried away by a strong rip current while visiting Conneaut Township Park with his mother and a friend on Friday afternoon.

A GoFundMe, organized by a family friend, said that the boy was wept away in front of his family.

"Hunter was ankle deep in the water and just like that, he was swept away," the GoFundMe said. "This happened in front of his family. His mother, Diana, fought those waves until she almost gave up her life as well trying to find Hunter."

The family statement, obtained by FOX 8, reads, in part, "words cannot express. He was a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin and just an overall caring and loving kid."

JET MISSING SINCE 1971 FOUND SUBMERGED IN VERMONT'S LAKE CHAMPLAIN, EXPERTS SAY

"We propose to you that more life preservers [are needed], awareness of rip tides, knowledge of rip tides for those unfamiliar with how strong these waters can be," the family's statement said. "We do not want any more victims to die in these tragic waters. Hunter will be forever loved and missed."

Ahead of the boy's death, the National Weather Service issued a warning Friday morning about rip currents, advising swimmers to stay out of the water.

If you do get caught in a rip current, the NWS suggests:

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Conneaut Police Department for comment.