Authorities have discovered the body of 14-year-old Conner Curtice following an extensive search of the water utilizing sonar technology. The tragic incident occurred during Memorial Day when Conner was reportedly thrown from a boat on the Neches River near Deck Hand Alley in Texas. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) received a distress call from a boater who witnessed Conner falling overboard and failing to resurface.
According to Lindsi Vercher, the organizer of a GoFundMe campaign and a childhood best friend of Conner’s mother, the accident caused Conner to be ejected from the boat. Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Captain Ryan Hall stated that Conner and an 18-year-old friend were aboard a vessel near the NatGasoline plant on Sulphur Plant Road when it began taking on water. While attempting to plug the holes, the boat suddenly jerked, causing both individuals to be thrown off.
On Tuesday around 6 p.m., the sheriff’s office located Conner’s body in the river. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death. The JCSO’s Marine Division, along with Texas Game Wardens and the Port Neches Fire Department, conducted an initial search of the area, followed by an extensive search using sonar technology.
Conner was set to start his freshman year at Port Neches-Groves High School. A candlelight vigil was organized to honor his memory. The family expressed gratitude for the support they have received and requested continued prayers. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $53,000 in donations. The Texas Game Wardens are leading the investigation into the incident under the supervision of the JCSO.
