15-36-CWS | May 26, 2015
BILOXI, Miss. – The body of 16-year-old Omar Gonzalez was found Wednesday morning by a charter boat captain.
The captain discovered the body at 10 a.m., about 1.5 miles from the area where Gonzalez and a 17-year-old friend were searching for crabs Sunday during a trip to Ship Island.
Marine Patrol officers with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources responded, as well as the Coast Guard and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. Harrison County Deputy Coroner Brian Switzer identified the body and notified Gonzalez’s family.
The two teens, both from Petal, Miss., got caught in the currents Sunday afternoon. The 17-year-old male was found about 6 p.m. Sunday clinging to a buoy.
“This was not the outcome we wanted,” said Keith Davis, chief of Marine Patrol. “But we are glad that we could bring closure to Omar’s family. We also want to thank our local and federal partners for helping in this search.”
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is dedicated to enhancing, protecting and conserving marine interests of the state by managing all marine life, public trust wetlands, adjacent uplands and waterfront areas to provide for the optimal commercial, recreational, educational and economic uses of these resources consistent with environmental concerns and social changes. Visit the DMR online at www.dmr.ms.gov
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