Schools
[UPDATED] Search Ends For Westchester Teen Swept to Sea
Community members are coming together to support the Madoff family and each other.
the missing White Plains teen and Scarsdale High School student, has been called off, and from New York to Hawaii, support is pouring in for the Madoff family.
On Sunday, Scarsdale Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael McGill released a statement to the school community stating the "Coast Guard has given up the search for Tyler Madoff, Class of '14, who was swept out to sea four days ago in Hawaii. Our hearts go out to the Madoff family."
"I deeply regret having to share this devastating news," McGill stated. "Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Madoffs."
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Today, the Scarsdale School District is offering counseling services to all students, faculty and staff from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at . A trained counselor will be on hand, according to McGill.
"The Madoffs have issued a statement in Hawaii, thanking all those involved in the search and rescue operation, as well as all in the school community who have been so supportive," McGill stated. "We remain in contact with them and will provide further information as appropriate and consistent with their wishes."
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In a tragic accident, the White Plains teen had been swept out to sea in Honolulu on July 4, after hiking with a youth group and stopping to rest in a tide pool.
The U.S. Coast Guard, the fire department and volunteers had scoured the ocean and area via helicopter, boats and watercrafts to find the missing SHS student. , while volunteers and the fire department still continued their operation. But as of Sunday, all search and rescue efforts were halted.
Now, communities from Scarsdale to White Plains to Hawaii are reacting to the devastating tragedy.
The Mayor of the City of White Plains Thomas Roach expressed support for the family.
"At this time, his concern is for the family. The City will support them in any way it can," Karen M. Pasquale, senior advisor to the Mayor, told Patch.
Teachers, friends, fellow students and complete strangers are taking to Twitter and Facebook to share their support, their grief and their memories about Tyler, a member of the Class of 2014.
One resident of Hawaii took to the Scarsdale Patch Facebook Page to share her support for the Madoff family. On Sunday, Shirley De Rego, a mother who also lost her son in a similar tragedy, posted her story:
"My name is Shirley De Rego and I live on the Big Island of Hawaii. I am deeply saddened and heart broken by the news of Tyler Madoff. This tragedy brings back memories of my 12 years old son Alexander De Rego who also was lost at sea in the same area as Tyler seven years ago. Alexander was on a camping trip. Hearing the story on the local news about Tyler brought back all those emotions and tears that I thought had been put to rest. I miss my son Alexander everyday and I can feel every bit of pain his Mother and Father are going through. I am praying that God gives them peace and strength during this most heart wrenching experience. I pray for Tyler's siblings, that they hold on to the wonderful memories of their beloved brother. I have the most amazing and wonderful family and friends without them and Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ The De Rego Family would not have survived. I am praying diligently for Tyler. With all my Aloha Shirley De Rego"
A Scarsdale High School teacher, who taught Tyler this past year, also posted to the Patch Facebook page.
On Saturday, Candiss Cowan wrote: "Tyler was in my class this past semester. It was great to have him! I pray for a miracle. Candiss Cowan, SHS Faculty."
On Twitter, friends and strangers spoke about Tyler, using the hashtags #PrayforTyler and #RIPTylerMadoff.
@Pank_Daddy Tweeted: "#RIPTylerMadoff although we weren't close, and although you may be gone, your impact on us all will be everlasting. Our prayers are with you"
And fellow Tweeter @YouCantHendel wrote: "Stuff like this should never happen to anyone in the world, let alone an overall kind hearted person like Tyler #RIPTylerMadoff"
To share your own memories and thoughts, add a comment below or email lisa.gentes@patch.com today. #PrayForTyler
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