SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A 12-year-old Massachusetts boy died in the waters off the coast of Puerto Rico, according to an official with the United States Coast Guard in San Juan.
The Coast Guard was called to reports of a swimmer possibly in distress off of Condado Beach in San Juan, an area known for its hotels, shortly after 10 p.m. on Sunday, according to a Coast Guard official. The report stated that two boys entered the waters and shortly after began to yell for help. One boy was able to quickly be recovered, but another was not.
Police in Puerto Rico identified the boy who died as Zedekiyahu Mekuria Miller
The Coast Guard along with local officials searched the waters Sunday night and throughout Monday. Tuesday morning a local police department discovered the body of the 12-year-old Mass. boy, according to the Coast Guard.
An official for the Coast Guard in San Juan tells Boston 25 News that this area is a dangerous area to swim in, with signage to tell potential swimmers of the risk of a rip current. That same official also tells Boston 25 News that there were media reports earlier in the week warning of dangerous sea conditions in the area.
Zedekiyahu attended school in the town of Leverett in western Massachusetts. Scholl leaders released a statement on Wednesday, without identifying him.
‘The student was a magnificent soul, and he will be deeply missed. We are working with the Riverside Trauma Center to support our staff and students as we go through this difficult time.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW