CONNEAUT, Ohio — The Conneaut Police Department has announced that the body of the boy missing in Lake Erie since Friday has been recovered.
According to a post on the department's Facebook page Tuesday afternoon, the boy was taken from the scene to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Officer for examination.
"It is with great sadness to report 10 year old Hunter has been recovered. He has been transported from the scene to the Cleveland Medical Examinator's (sic) office for examination. Please keep Hunter's family in your thoughts and prayers," the post read.
According to dispatchers, the boy went missing in the water at Conneaut Township Park at around 1:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon. By Friday evening, officials said they were considering the search a recovery effort and not a rescue.
Search operations resumed on Saturday morning, however unsafe conditions hindered efforts throughout the weekend.
While the full name of the boy has yet to be released, Springfield Local Schools Superintendent Shelley Monachino released the following statement to families of children who are enrolled in the district:
"Dear Spartan Community,
It is with a heavy heart that I have some sad news to share. One of our upcoming sixth grade students, Hunter, was lost in Lake Erie Friday afternoon. This is a devastating and unimaginable loss for our school community. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to Hunter’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
We will have grief counselors and support dogs available at Schrop Intermediate on Monday, June 10 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to support both staff and students. If a staff member, student or community member is unavailable during those times and would like to speak with a counselor, please call 330-798-1004 to make arrangements.
Please take care of yourselves and support each other during this difficult time.
Shelley Monachino
Superintendent"
The National Weather Service had issued a Beach Hazard Statement from Thursday evening through Saturday afternoon for Lake and Ashtabula counties amid a high risk of rip currents. The NWS advised that swimmers should not enter the water as currents can carry swimmers away from the shore.