Cameron Robbins, an 18-year-old who recently graduated from University Laboratory School (U-High) in Baton Rouge, embarked on a celebratory boat excursion with several hundred fellow students. While onboard, on Wednesday night, he reportedly jumped into the water as part of a dare. It was noted that the weather was unfavorable that night.
Following an extensive search that spanned two days and covered a distance of 325 miles, the U.S. Coast Guard, in collaboration with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, announced on Friday the conclusion of their search-and-rescue operations.
From Fox News:
"Our Coast Guard command center and aircrews based in Miami supported RBDF search and rescue efforts since the initial report Wednesday evening, and continued through Friday evening," Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Spado, Coast Guard liaison officer to the Bahamas, said in a statement on Friday.
"We were informed by the RBDF this evening that they were suspending the active search efforts pending further developments, and were not requesting further Coast Guard assistance after notifying the Robbins family.
"We offer our sincerest condolences to Cameron Robbins’ family and friends."
Robbins was a standout baseball player who attended the school for more than a decade and left a lasting impression on his classmates and teachers.
Kevin George, the director of Lab School, told local news outlet WBRZ, that Robbins is a "special kid."
He's "been here throughout his entire educational career. He's an athlete, great kid, great smile, great head of hair. Just one of the kids you're so proud of when they cross the stage," George said.
This is an incredibly tragic situation, and it's difficult to fathom the immense pain and anguish that Cameron's family must be experiencing.
Moreover, it's undoubtedly overwhelming for his classmates who were involved in the dare, as they must be grappling with an overwhelming sense of guilt and remorse that is beyond words.
