JENSEN BEACH, Fla. — The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a missing Vero Beach High School senior who disappeared while swimming near Jensen Beach.
Family members said Lenton "Ty" Ward was at Dollman Park Beachside with friends Wednesday, celebrating their upcoming graduation from Vero Beach High School, when he vanished in the water.
The Coast Guard said the search was suspended Friday night.
Coast Guard crews searched for Lenton Ward a total of 58 hours, covering 907 square miles, an area roughly the size of Rhode Island.
#UPDATE .@USCG has suspended the search for Lenton Ward near Jensen Beach, Florida last night pending any amplifying information. #USCG #D7 pic.twitter.com/l5bLsk1aqg
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) May 16, 2020
"The decision to suspend active searching in any case is never one we come to lightly," Chief Warrant Officer Clint Smith said. "We offer our deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Ward in this difficult time."
Ward played football and lacrosse for Vero Beach High School.
According to an incident report, Ward was last seen about 150 yards offshore.
.@USCG, @stluciesheriff, @MyFWC are searching for an 18-year-old male person in the water near Jensen Beach. pic.twitter.com/wfYLWgEC08
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) May 14, 2020
The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office conducted an aerial search, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Martin County Sheriff's Office and U.S Border Patrol also assisted in the search.
Family members also bought flashlights to do their own search along the beach Thursday night for any sign of Ward, his clothing or his jewelry.
Deputies describe "extreme" surf conditions when Ward disappeared, with high winds and high waves breaking multiple times before reaching the shore.
Family members said he was wearing dark gray shorts and a gold necklace.
