The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office has given up the search for the missing 7-year-old boy, Hunter Slezak, who went missing in that tragic boating accident near Dauphin Island, Alabama. Extensive search efforts by air, land, and water have yielded nothing, as the remains of Hunter have not been found.
The decision was by Sheriff Paul Burch, who issued a press release, saying, “We have exhausted all of our efforts on the water, in the air, and with our divers. It is our hope that the Slezak family will one day find peace.” In addition, Burch called for anyone in the area to report any possible findings about Hunter’s case.
Hunter was still missing after the bodies of his father, Michael Slezak, 40, and their family friend, Sam Wooley, 69, fellow occupants of the same vessel, were recovered.
Boating Accident Leaves Community in Mourning
The tragic incident occurred when the three ventured into the waters in a vessel named *Marty Ann* from the Billy Goat Hole Boat Ramp on November 29th. According to reports received by the U.S. Coast Guard, the last that was heard from the vessel was that afternoon.
A debris field was located the next morning nine miles south of Dauphin Island, and while search crews retrieved the bodies of Michael Slezak and Wooley, no sign of young Hunter could be found.
The Coast Guard worked around the clock for days before suspending their efforts on December 1. Other agencies, along with local volunteers, kept on with the search, but as time passed, the likelihood of finding the boy alive became minimal. Remembering Hunter Slezak
The loss has devastated Hunter’s family. A memorial service was held on December 15 at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. An obituary called Hunter a kind, loving child who “exemplified happiness” and loved sports and the outdoors.
His mother, Megan Slezak, also took to Facebook to thank those who supported the family through this unimaginable tragedy. She thanked people for their prayers, donations, and tireless efforts of search teams: “These past two weeks have been an overwhelming nightmare, but the love and support from everyone has given us strength.”
A Community United in Grief
The tragedy has engendered an outpouring of support from within the community. Candlelight vigils have been held in memory of the life lost and also as a way to raise awareness of Hunter’s disappearance. Friends and neighbors remembered a merry boy who brightened each room he entered.
The family moves forward, but without closure, they carry with them the memories of a child who brought joy to all who knew him. The search may be over, but Hunter’s impact on his loved ones will never fade.
Authorities remind the public to be aware while out on the water in the area, reiterating that any information could still help bring peace to the grieving family.
