JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The family of a swimmer who was swept away in the waters near Huguenot Memorial Park set up a GoFundMe to help pay for funeral expenses and to bring his body back to Georgia once he is found.
The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search Sunday for Donte Wanton, 29, who went missing Saturday while swimming with friends.
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Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officers were called to the park just after 4:30 p.m. Saturday after Wanton and his two friends began struggling in the water, JSO said. Bystanders rescued his two friends, but Wanton went under and did not resurface.
Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville watchstanders received a report from the JSO at about 5 p.m. and, as weather allowed, Coast Guard crews and local partner agencies conducted searches by water, land and air, the Coast Guard said. Wanton was reportedly last seen wearing pink shorts and clinging to a red buoy before 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 teams 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 square miles, saturating the area of the swimmer’s last known location, the Coast Guard said.
The Coast Guard suspended its search Sunday morning pending new information. JSO will lead the investigation and any future search efforts, officials said.