Grieving household wants assist bringing physique again to Georgia when man who went lacking close to Huguenot Memorial Park is discovered

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The household of a swimmer who was swept away within the waters close to Huguenot Memorial Park set up a GoFundMe to assist pay for funeral bills and to carry his physique again to Georgia as soon as he’s discovered.

The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search Sunday for Donte Wanton, 29, who went lacking Saturday whereas swimming with pals.

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officers have been referred to as to the park simply after 4:30 p.m. Saturday after Wanton and his two pals started struggling within the water, JSO stated. Bystanders rescued his two pals, however Wanton went below and didn’t resurface.

Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville watchstanders obtained a report from the JSO at about 5 p.m. and, as climate allowed, Coast Guard crews and native companion companies carried out searches by water, land and air, the Coast Guard stated. Wanton was reportedly final seen carrying pink shorts and clinging to a pink buoy earlier than submerging.

“This has been a heart-wrenching experience for our family, as myself, my siblings, and our mother are all in different states, trying to navigate this tragedy and support each other from afar,” the GoFundMe reads. “We are seeking financial assistance to help us bring Donte’s body back to Georgia once he is found, and to give him the service he deserves.”

Search groups from Coast Guard Station Mayport, the JSO Marine Unit, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission searched roughly 3 sq. miles, saturating the world of the swimmer’s final recognized location, the Coast Guard stated.

The Coast Guard suspended its search Sunday morning pending new data. JSO will lead the investigation and any future search efforts, officers stated.

Click here to donate to the GoFundMe.