GLOUCESTER, Va. – The body of a 13-year-old boy who went missing while swimming was believed to be found Sunday morning around 7:15 a.m by someone walking on the beach.
The Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office says he was found approximately a half mile from the location where he was originally reported missing.
Family of the victim confirms he is Chandler “Chad” Shetterly of Gloucester.
Shetterly’s body has been sent to the medical examiner’s office.
Coast Guard crews responded to a report of a missing swimmer Friday evening.
Coast Guard officials initially told News 3 a 13-year-old boy and his sister (age unknown) were missing.
After some time, officials said they were swimming near Gloucester Point Beach when just the boy was reported missing.
Officials received the call at around 4:40 p.m.
Watchstanders with Sector Hampton roads issued an urgent marine information broadcast before launching a helicopter crew from Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and a 29-foot response boat from Station Milford Haven in Hudgins, Virginia, at approximately 5 p.m.
The Coast Guard was working with boat crews from various fire departments and sheriff’s offices in the area to search for the boy.
The Coast Guard suspended the search for the teen at 11 a.m. Saturday.
“The decision to suspend a search is a difficult one to make,” said Coast Guard Capt. Rick Wester, commander, Sector Hampton Roads. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the boy’s family during this difficult time.”
Two GoFundMe pages have been set up to help the Shetterly family with funeral costs. You can find them HERE and HERE.
A vigil honoring Chad Shetterly is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday at Gloucester Point Beach.
