The Mobile County Sheriff is using all possible resources to search for a 7-year-old boy reported missing after a shrimping trip off the coast of Dauphin Island.
The bodies of the father, Mike Slezak, and his friend, Sam Wooley, were found on Saturday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. However, Hunter Slezak was not found.
“We are deeply saddened and offer our sincerest condolences to the families, friends, and communities affected by this heartbreaking and tragic incident,” Capt. Robert Tucker, Coast Guard Sector Mobile, Deputy Commander, said in a news release. “Suspending an active search for a missing child is an exceptionally difficult decision and is only made after the most exhaustive efforts have occurred.”
According to a GoFundMe account, the father, a beloved teacher and coach at Semmes Middle School, took his son for his first shrimping trip on Friday.
“They were having the best day, catching big shrimp and enjoying their time together,” the organizer stated. “Michael called his wife at 3:30 PM to check in and say they wanted to stay out another hour because they were catching so much. Unfortunately, they never returned home.”
The GoFundMe account has collected over $46K.
“Coach Slezak will always be remembered, and his legacy will continue to live on in each of us,” Semmes Middle School officials wrote in a Facebook post.
Hunter is a student at Tanner Williams Elementary School. He was the only boy of five siblings.
Authorities believe the boat, a 20-foot Cuddy Cabin, capsized with the child in the cabin.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning or become a member to gain access to exclusive content and 1819 News merch.
