$22K+ Raised For GA Teen Who Drowned In Tybee Island

TYBEE ISLAND, GA — More than $22,000 has been raised for a 16-year-old Atlanta teenager who drowned Friday after being swept by currents at a Tybee Island beach, according to media reports and a GoFundMe.

The teenage boy was identified as Laquavis McCray in an Atlanta News First report. He was one of three people who were picked up by the current, with two of them being saved, the news outlet reported.

GoFundMe organizer Nina White, who identified McCray as her grandson, said he was visiting the town with friends.

Tybee Island Police said authorities had been searching a "back river" around 3:30 p.m. for a missing teenager who was swimming when the Chatham County Police Department Dive Team recovered a body from the water.

"This is not the outcome that our team, or any of those who assisted in the search, so desperately hoped for," police said in a news release.

"While this event is a tragedy, we would like to thank the members of the Tybee Island lifeguards, United States Coast Guard, Department of Natural Resources, Chatham County Marine Patrol, Chatham County Dive Team and Marine Rescue Squadron for working tirelessly to bring closure to the victim’s family. The hearts of the Tybee Island Police Department, and the entire City of Tybee Island, remain with them during this difficult time."

Tybee Island Mayor Brian West told WTOC that officials work to warn people of the danger in the area. He urged for beachgoers to enjoy the area, but he advised they take precaution, he told the outlet.

Tybee Island Ocean Rescue released a statement Friday via X, formerly Twitter, after news broke of McCray's death.

"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the 16-year-old who tragically drowned today. During this incredibly difficult time, please know you are in our thoughts," Ocean Rescue tweeted.

White said money raised through the online fundraiser will help with funeral expenses and covering the cost of transporting McCray's body to Atlanta.

The initial goal of the GoFundMe was to raise $10,000; however, that goal has been surpassed. As of Monday afternoon, the fundraiser had collected at least $22,000.

"Laquavis was a fun-loving teenager who kept us laughing with his jokes and liked to impress people with his dance moves," White wrote. "His unexpected passing has put his mom in a difficult position both emotionally and financially. ... We want to give Laquavis the memorial he deserves and honor his memory."