Teen drowns while crossing St. Lucie River

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — Search teams have located the body of a Port St. Lucie teenager who drowned while attempting to cross the St. Lucie River early Tuesday afternoon.

The teen was one of three boys who were attempting to cross the perimeter of a patch of mangroves under the Twin Bridges on Southeast Port St. Lucie Boulevard, shortly after noon.

The water became too deep for the 16-year-old, Port St. Lucie Police Department (PSLPD) Chief Richard Del Toro said.

The teen, identified by PSLPD as Ja'Quon Shane Hosein Madaris, did not know how to swim and went under, according to PSLPD.

"One of the buddies attempted to rescue him, but just couldn’t do it. It was just really sad to watch and he’s real traumatized right now, PSLPD Assistant Chief Leo Niemczyk told CBS12 News.

A helicopter, marine patrols, and other rescue patrols had been deployed to find the teen during the search efforts.

The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team equipped with high-tech waterproof cameras eventually recovered the teen's body submerged in the river under the bridge around 4 p.m.

Attempts to save the teen were unsuccessful, the chief continued.

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"Our sincerest condolences go out to the family and friends of the young man who lost his life," police said in a statement on social media.

I just want my son back

CBS12 News met the teen's father, Richard, outside the family home Tuesday night.

While he respectfully asked for privacy during this difficult time, Richard said 'I just want my son back,' as he fought back tears.

Ja'Quon was a beloved son and member of a large Port St. Lucie family.

CBS12 News discovered Ja'Quon recently posted on several social media community pages, promoting his fishing YouTube Page. He talked about how this was something he really enjoyed.

Meanwhile, authorities said the area near the bridge along the St. Lucie River is a popular spot to fish and are now sharing important tips to keep in mind the next time you're near a body of water.

"If you’re not a strong swimmer, consider carrying or wearing a life jacket, a floatation device - having it handy. One of his friends could’ve thrown one to him if they had one available," Niemczyk added.