Overview
- Joshua Lahai, 11, was hit by a large wave and swept into deeper water while visiting Surfside Beach with his youth football team on Sunday, May 24.
- Local, federal and volunteer crews searched for nearly 48 hours and recovered the swim trunks Joshua was wearing about a day after he disappeared.
- A fisherman reported feeling something bump his leg while wade fishing on Tuesday, May 26, and Surfside Beach Officer Christopher Redmond entered the water and recovered Joshua’s body about 150 yards offshore.
- Authorities notified the family, closed the active search and the youth football community publicly mourned while the family launched a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs.
- Surfside Beach has no lifeguards and officials warned that shifting sandbars, strong tides and rip currents make the Gulf unforgiving, prompting calls for life jackets, closer supervision and renewed discussion of beach safety measures.