Body of Mississippi teen found on Horn Island after boat trip

An 18-year-old Mississippi resident went missing on July 4 after a boat he was traveling on developed a problem with its bilge pump near Horn Island, a barrier island roughly 10 miles off the Mississippi Gulf Coast. m. that day at the north end of the island.

m. after taking on water, according to a statement from a Jackson County judge whose son was on the trip.

Search and recovery A volunteer organization conducted aerial reconnaissance over the waters between Horn Island and Ship Island. The Coast Guard, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department also participated in the search.

The body was located Monday morning during a flight over the island. The Jackson County coroner said dental records were used to identify the remains on Tuesday.

Statements from family and officials The teen’s family stated there are “too many unanswered questions” and retained an attorney to represent them. The attorney said the family deserves answers and called on investigators to pursue the case with urgency and transparency.

Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter asked anyone who observed an argument, disturbance, or other unusual activity on the island that day to contact authorities. Police are also examining a video that appears to show an argument near the shoreline before the disappearance.

A post-mortem examination was completed Tuesday, but toxicology results are not yet available, the coroner said.