Search for missing boy suspended in Alabama

The United States Coast Guard announced Sunday that it was suspending the search for a 7-year-old boy who went missing Friday during a boat trip with two other passengers and was later found dead.

The three people took the boat to Dauphin Island in Alabama, and the boy, Hunter Slezak, was the only person still missing. The boat’s two other occupants, Michael Slezak, 40, and Sam Wooley, 69, were found dead by a Coast Guard crew on Saturday, according to a press release.

“We are deeply saddened and extend our sincere condolences to the families, friends and communities affected by this heartbreaking and tragic incident,” said Capt. Robert Tucker, deputy commander of the Coast Guard Mobile Sector. “Ceasing an active search for a missing child is an extraordinarily difficult decision and is made only after the greatest efforts have been made.”

During the search, the Coast Guard and other partner agencies searched for more than 65 hours and covered more than 2,000 square miles, the release said.

Tributes will be paid to the deceased father and son

After announcing the death of Hunter’s father, Michael, Semmes Middle School, where Michael worked as a teacher and coach, posted a memorial on social media.

“Coach Michael Slezak was a beloved teacher and coach who touched so many lives with kindness, wisdom and dedication. Coach Slezak inspired our students to become better scientists, better athletes and better people,” the post reads.

Megan Slezak took to Facebook before the Coast Guard’s announcement asking for help finding her son.

“Coast (guard) will be searching for my precious hunter for the rest of today until nightfall,” she said. “Then they end their search parties. If anyone could help with the search today with their boat or plane, it would mean a lot.”

A GoFundMe page to support the family was started by Adrienne Magill, who identified herself as Megan Slezak’s sister. The fundraiser said it was Hunter’s first shrimp catch.

“They had the most wonderful day, caught big shrimp and enjoyed their time together,” the fundraiser says. “Unfortunately, they never returned home.”