CLEVELAND — June 9 update: A Conneaut police spokesperson told 3News the search has been stopped for the day due to choppy water conditions.
Crews are not sure when they will be able to resume the recovery efforts due to the unsafe conditions currently in Lake Erie.
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"
Original: The search for a 10-year-old boy who went missing in the water at Conneaut Township Park is continuing for a second day.
According to dispatchers, the boy went missing at around 1:30 p.m. Friday afternoon. Officials said Friday evening that they are considering the search a recovery effort and not a rescue.
The Coast Guard has suspended their search around 10 p.m. Friday night. A Conneaut Police Department spokesperson told 3News search operations resumed at 6:30 a.m. Saturday.
Police said lake conditions are making recovery efforts "extremely difficult."
At around 2:30 p.m. Saturday, police said authorities are meeting with all rescue personnel "to determine whether or not we will continue searching today."
Crews from the Conneaut police and fire departments responded on the scene along with the U.S. Coast Guard.
The National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazard Statement from Thursday evening through Saturday afternoon for Lake and Ashtabula counties as a high risk of rip currents is expected. The NWS said swimmers should not enter the water as currents can carry swimmers away from the shore.
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