During the third day of searching for a teenager who went missing after riding a jet ski on Jordan Lake, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office said his body has been recovered.
A release from the sheriff’s office said authorities successfully found the body of a 15-year-old who had been reported missing Tuesday night after jet-skiing near the Farrington Point Boat Ramp. The alert said the body was found around 11 a.m.
ABC11 reports the teenager was 15-year-old Roberto Enrique DeLeto, who was out on the lake with a friend when their jet ski began to experience issues — which the Chatham County Sheriff’s office described as “mechanical problems.” The friend left to get help and Deleto was reportedly missing when they returned. ABC11 also previously said the jet ski was recovered by local authorities before a body was found.
“The loss of a loved one is always difficult,” said Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson in Thursday’s release. “And while this isn’t the outcome we had hoped for when we began our search Tuesday evening, we hope this provides the young man’s family with closure and some peace. I also want to thank all the first responders who worked so hard to bring closure to the family.”
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office said its deputies — as well as members of the N.C. Wildlife Resources department, N.C. Highway Patrol, North Chatham Fire Department, Moncure Fire Department, FirstHealth EMS and a K9 unit with the REDS team— were involved with the water search and efforts along Jordan Lake’s shoreline.
The sheriff’s office’s release also acknowledged the community support given to the teenager’s family and the authorities during the search. The message said two pastors provided comfort to the family, while “numerous volunteer helpers” brought food and drinks to help rescue teams on Wednesday and Thursday.
DeLeto was a sophomore at Carrboro High School. The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools district shared a post on Facebook Thursday night showing school community members gathered in DeLeto’s honor.
Additionally, a GoFundMe campaign was started for DeLeto’s family to help cover funeral expenses — with Carrboro Mayor Damon Seils taking time to promote the cause on Twitter.
If you are able to offer assistance to the Deleto family, please visit https://t.co/76qZh6wHdu. #carrboro #chapelhill
— Damon Seils 🏳️🌈 (@damonseils) March 10, 2023
Photo via WNCT.
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