Body of missing teen swimmer recovered in Margate, N.J.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (WPVI) -- The body of one of two teenage swimmers who disappeared in the ocean off Atlantic City, New Jersey last week has been recovered.
Authorities say a police officer located a body on the beach in Margate, N.J. at Jefferson Avenue just after 5 a.m. Monday.
An autopsy performed Monday morning identified the body as that of 16-year-old Kaliyah Hand.
Hand's family has been notified.
The incident began around 6:15 p.m. Thursday during what was supposed to be a fun outing for four friends.
Police say Kaliyah Hand of Atlantic City began to get pulled from the shore by the rip current at MLK beach. Her friend, 15-year-old Ramon Quinn of Pleasantville, jumped into the water in an attempt to rescue her.
Both were pulled out to sea, began to struggle in the water, and were pulled under.
After two hours, Atlantic City Beach Patrol Chief Steve Downey said the search became a recovery because the teens had already disappeared in the water by the time they arrived on the scene.
"Last night we were praying for a rescue. Today we are just praying for recovery," said Hand's grandmother, Shirldine Stewart, on Friday.
Quinn's stepfather, Will Black, was also on the scene awaiting word.
"Sees somebody in trouble, he's going to try to help. That's just who he is," Black said.
Stewart fondly remembered her granddaughter.
"She just loved life, she loved taking selfies. She was a typical 15-year-old, good in school, had plenty of friends. She loved the beach," Stewart said.
Quinn's family said he was brave and wouldn't think twice about saving a friend.
"That's my little cousin," said Imone Gantz. "I just want to give the family peace, find his body. We know he's gone. You can't survive that long."
Authorities say they will continue looking until the bodies are found.
"You understand the difficulties of both the tide and the foggy weather, but we are going to continue the search until we find these two children," said Mayor Don Guardian.
Officials say MLK beach is known as a dangerous one due to rip currents. A 10-year-old boy died in the same location five years ago.
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