A 13-year-old boy from Palm Beach County tragically drowned in rough ocean waters off Fort Lauderdale on Friday. Authorities have identified the victim as Jerry Hyppolite.
According to Fort Lauderdale Police, Jerry disappeared near the 800 block of Seabreeze Boulevard around 4:40 p.m. A large-scale search followed, and his body was recovered shortly after 8 p.m. Investigators have ruled the incident an accidental drowning, with no signs of foul play.
Jerry had been swimming with several of his basketball teammates when the group encountered strong currents that made it difficult to return to shore. One parent told NBC6 that the boys were struggling in the rough water and tried to alert a lifeguard when they noticed Jerry was still missing.
“The kids are devastated, crying and hugging each other,” the parent said. “It’s going to be hard.”
The tragedy has left the community mourning the loss of a young life and highlights the dangers of swimming in challenging ocean conditions.
