Community Corner
Teen's Death Ruled 'Dry Drowning,' Funeral Arrangements Set
The 16-year-old was found in 5 feet of water in the East Grand Traverse Bay.
Sixteen-year-old Miles Percy Smith drowned in northern Michigan, according to the Grand Traverse Sheriff's Office in Traverse City.
Marine deputies with the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office pulled the teen out of the East Grand Traverse Bay, across from the Sands Motel in East Bay Township, at about 6 p.m. Sunday.
The boy was found in 5 feet of water about 60 yards offshore, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sheriffs said the boy was visiting Traverse City while on vacation with his family.Â
The boy's body is currently at the Grand Traverse Bay Medical Examiner's Office.
Officials at Wyandotte Public Schools confirmed Smith was a student at Jo Brighton Skills Center.
"The Wyandotte Public School Community’s  thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time," Superintendent Carla Harting said.
The Grand Traverse County Medical Examiner said Smith died of an accidental "dry drowning," or a drowning that occurs when cold water affects the throat making it impossible to breathe.
Visitation and funeral arrangements have been scheduled for 1 to 8 p.m. Friday and  11 a.m. Saturday at RJ Nixon Funeral Home, 2544 Biddle Avenue.
*This article was updated at 3:16 p.m. and 4:09 p.m. Monday and 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday.
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