WPBN: The hunt for 7-year-old Hunter Slezak, who was last seen about a month ago after going out in a boat in Alabama with his father and a family friend, who were later discovered dead, has been called off, according to authorities.
The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) acknowledged that they halted operations on Sunday, December 15, in a news release.
“We exhausted all of our efforts on the water, in the air and with our divers,” Sheriff Paul Burch stated in the news release. “It is our hope and prayer that the Slezak family will receive closure. We encourage anyone on the water and in the surrounding areas to contact us if anything is seen pertaining to Hunter’s case.”
Hunter was out in the sea with his father, Michael Slezak, 40, and Sam Wooley, 69, following their boat’s departure from the Billy Goat Hole Boat Ramp on Dauphin Island on Friday, Nov. 29, according to a prior press statement from the U.S. Coast Guard.
During that night, the Coast Guard stated that “watchstanders from Coast Guard Sector Mobile received a report of an overdue vessel, the MARTY ANN, with three people on board.” It was reported that the yacht was “last heard from on Friday afternoon.”
About nine miles south of Dauphin Island, on November 30, a Coast Guard crew found a debris field. The remains of Wooley and the older Slezak were discovered there.
In the news release dated Sunday, Dec. 1, Capt. Robert Tucker, Coast Guard Sector Mobile, Deputy Commander, stated, “We are deeply saddened and offer our sincere condolences to the families, friends, and communities affected by this heartbreaking and tragic incident.”
“Hunter was full of sweet smiles, gave lots of hugs and exemplified happiness,” according to a published obituary. “He watched out for others and was so kind. He loved his family, playing sports and being outside. He was so very loved and will be truly missed.”
Hunter’s mother and Michael Slezak’s wife, Megan Slezak, thanked everyone who looked for her son in a Facebook post on December 15.
“These past two weeks have been an overwhelming nightmare, but I have also been overwhelmed with the support of friends, family and community,” she stated. “Thank you to the thousands of people who have shown their support in so many different ways.”
More Coverage:
- Pasco Sheriff’s Office Asks for Public’s Help in Finding Missing New Port Richey Woman
- Murder Charge Filed Against South Carolina Man After Missing Woman’s Remains Discovered in Well
- Missing Woman and Son Last Seen in Indiana: Police Ask for Public’s Help
- Missing Grandmother’s Body Found Near Pennsylvania Sinkhole After Days of Search
“Thank you for the prayers, messages, calls, meals, flowers, gifts, monetary donations, those who organized and attended the candlelight vigils and funeral services,” she added, “and everyone who tirelessly searched for my son by land, sea and air and those who provided resources to those searching. I wouldn’t have been able to handle these weeks without everyone.”
As of December 16, a GoFundMe set up for the Slezak family following the tragedy has raised more than $91,000.
