'Saddened:' NJ School Grieves As Boy's Body Found At Jersey Shore

SPRING LAKE – The search is over for a 15-year-old boy who went missing the rough surf at the Jersey Shore this weekend. Spring Lake police announced Wednesday that the boy's body was found.

Now a New Jersey community is mourning as law enforcement say they're praying for the family of a boy who was a basketball player at his school. A few hundred mourners turned out for a vigil this week for Joesiah Jeremiah Robison.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to Joesiah’s family and friends. The Spring Lake Police Department and the community as a whole pray for the return of Joesiah to his family," Chief Edward M. Kerr, Jr. said.

Michael Nitti, the superintendent of Ewing Public Schools, said the district was deeply saddened to learn that Joesiah Jeremiah Robison, a sophomore at Ewing High School, was involved in a tragic incident on a Spring Lake beach on Sunday afternoon.

Joesiah joined Ewing Schools as a freshman last year at Ewing High School and was a member of the basketball program, Nitti said.

"Our thoughts are with Joesiah's family and friends and the resources and support of the school district are there for them," he said.

The district has activated its crisis team and will have mental and emotional health experts available at Ewing High School on Wednesday morning at 8 a.m. for any student or family who feels the need for support.

"With the return of our students to school on Wednesday, our counselors will be available throughout the week to provide assistance," he said.

Robison went missing at approximately 2:45 p.m. on Sunday when he and another juvenile were reportedly in distress at the Brighton Avenue beach in Spring Lake, police said.

Police and Spring Lake lifeguards responded as a bystander was able to reach the female victim. With the assistance of the lifeguards, authorities were able to get her to the beach safely.

Lifeguards and law enforcement from the New Jersey State Police, United States Coast Guard, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, Spring Lake Heights, Sea Girt, Belmar, Manasquan and Wall all assisted in the search of the waters from Ludlow Avenue Beach to Jersey Avenue Beach, police said.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends during this tragedy," Spring Lake police said.

Anyone who may have information should reach out to Detective Sergeant Christopher Kucinski at 732-449-1234 ckucinski@springlakepolice.org.