School issues statement amid search for missing teen swimmer in Wildwood, New Jersey
WILDWOOD, N.J. (WPVI) -- The leader of a Philadelphia school has issued a statement after a teen student who went missing in the waters off Wildwood, New Jersey, during a class trip.
Davoris Carter, 14, attended the Delta School for students with special needs in Northeast Philadelphia.
Family members say he had both a school chaperone and a family member accompany him on the trip Monday.
However, when the family member stepped away to get food, Carter went into the water with some other students near Morey's Pier, while staff watched from the shore.
There were no lifeguards on duty, which is typical for a weekday at this time of year.
"This is a devastating tragedy. The Delta School is heartbroken. Our thoughts are with the family during this time of uncertainty," said Delta School CEO Dr. David Weathington in a statement issued Tuesday.
"While the investigation and rescue efforts are still ongoing, Delta continues to pray for a successful rescue of this young man who was very dear to our Delta community," his statement continued.
Weatherington said the school is providing counseling and support for students.
Three other students also needed to be rescued and were aided out of the water by a Wildwood police officer who got to the scene first.
Carter had not been located as of Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities in Wildwood said the search would continue on Wednesday.
