New York City authorities have recovered the body of a 15-year-old Long Island boy who was reported missing two months ago and found dead in the water off the Red Hook section of Brooklyn.
Thomas Medlin, of Saint James, was found in the water on March 7 and his identity was confirmed five days later, Suffolk County police said. Investigators had determined two weeks after his disappearance that the teen’s last known location was on the pedestrian walkway on the Manhattan Bridge, police have said.
“The last activity on his cell phone was on January 9 at 7:09 p.m. and a nearby surveillance camera captured a splash in the water on January 9 at 7:10 p.m.,” police had said in a news release. “Medlin was never seen leaving the bridge via path exits.”
Three days after his disappearance, police had initially said that the teen had left the Stony Brook School on January 9 at 3:30 p.m., ran to the Stony Brook Long Island Rail Road station, and was seen at Grand Central Station in Manhattan at 5:30 p.m. the same day. Investigators said they had searched his social media accounts, online gaming profiles and electronic devices but did not find any indication of criminal activity.
The family had set up a GoFundMe page that raised more than $20,000 to hire private investigators to assist in the search before the discovery was made.
“Thomas is an extraordinarily bright boy with a gentle, caring soul,” the organizers said. “He is an exceptional piano player and loves playing tennis, ping-pong, skiing and making people smile.”
After the discovery was made, the family issued a statement saying that they will return the donations.
“We are deeply grateful for your kindness, prayers, support, and love during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read.
