The student who went missing after swimming off the coast of Cannon Beach with three others was identified on Sunday as Mountainside High School senior Jacob Stokes.
Stokes was swimming with three other students Friday when people lost sight of them. Two of the students escaped the water by the time officials arrived and the other was brought back to shore by a rescue swimmer.
Stokes’ body has not been found, but the Beaverton School District announced his death to Mountainside families in an email Sunday, said Shellie Bailey-Shah, a spokesperson for the district.
“Our hearts break for Jacob’s family, his close friends and our entire community at this time of deep sadness and grief,” Todd Corsetti, the school’s principal, wrote in the email.
Cannon Beach Fire District and Seaside Fire and Rescue’s surf rescue team responded when people on shore lost sight of the group swimming in the ocean off Cannon Beach near Tolovana Beach at 3:50 p.m.
Rescue teams searched for Stokes into the night Friday and continued their efforts Saturday.
Mountainside described Stokes as a kind and thoughtful person. He was part of the school’s cross country and track teams, Corsetti said.
He was expected to attend Oregon State University in the fall.
Teachers will be reading statements to students about Stokes on Monday morning. Counselors from around the Beaverton School District will be available to students throughout the day, according to the district.
– Austin De Dios; adedios@oregonian.com; @austindedios; 503-319-9744
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