Long Island, New York (NewYorkInjuryNews.com) — Friends and relatives of 14-year old Leo Vann said that the teenager had jumped into the waters of Long Beach to relax on Friday after skateboarding but was unable to stay afloat and drowned. His mother, Lakesha Thomas, said that Vann was an excellent swimmer and had just completed his 8th grade year at Long Beach Middle School. By sunset on Friday, a large number of kids had congregated at the site holding roses and crying. 11-year old Dylan Debrosse said that Vann had jumped into the water with 2 other boys.
Lt. Bruce Meyer of the Long Beach Police said that at around 1:30 pm, one of the boys flagged down Officer Anderson Joseph asking for help. The officer ran over enlisting a boatman to help search for Vann. Meyer said that the Marine bureau of the Nassau police dispatched a rescue boat and helicopter to the site. The rescuers and marine patrol unit of the Long Beach police located Vann around 2:15 pm. The divers from the Freeport fire department pulled him out to the shore and tried to resuscitate him. He was immediately rushed to the Long Beach Medical Centre where he was declared dead at 2:30 pm.
Vann’s mother has been working in medical transcription but was at home when she heard the news of her son’s drowning. She has another son, 18-year old Qumeal Vann. A nearby sign states that no swimming is permitted in the area.
His friends said that six months back, his mother had bought him a $150 skateboard and Vann wanted to perfect his skills of skateboarding at the skate park during this summer.