Mother Describes Grief After Son's Death on Mississippi Boating Trip

The mother of an 18-year-old who died during a July 4 boating trip posted a video describing her family's grief as authorities continue to investigate the incident. Christine Wonsley said in the video posted Thursday that the loss feels different from previous family deaths.

She noted that she works as a health care provider and often discusses grief with others, but now experiences it personally.

Ledbetter said investigators have no reason to suspect foul play. Officials have not released an official cause of death. Wonsley stated the family has not yet been able to grieve fully because the loss remains recent. She said she continues to seek more information about what happened.

The group left Horn Island around 4:30 p.m. after the boat began taking on water and the bilge pump malfunctioned. The 18-year-old did not return with the group. His body was found two days later near the northwest end of the island, according to officials.