POLK COUNTY, Fla. — An 18-year-old boy who went missing in Lake McLeod Sunday while kayaking was found deceased Monday morning, according to officials.
Deputies identified the 18-year-old as Aaron Tillman of Eagle Lake. He was a student at Ambassadors Christian Academy in Winter Haven and a member of the football and wrestling teams.
Tillman's football coaches and teammates are still trying to wrap their heads around the fact that he will not be joining them on the field. They had just had a game on Thursday.
“I never thought Thursday would be the last time seeing him,” said Isaiah Jordan.
Polk County Sheriff's Office, FWC, and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to Lake McLeod on Sept. 1 around 3:05 p.m.
Tillman and a 19-year-old girl were kayaking about 150 yards from shore in water that was around 12 to 15 feet deep, deputies said.
An investigation revealed that neither Tillman nor the girl were wearing life jackets. Family members also told deputies that Tillman could not swim and had never been kayaking before.
The girl told deputies that she jumped into the water from the kayak to swim. When she resurfaced, she saw Tillman in the water, struggling to stay up. She also told detectives that she didn't know if he fell in or intentionally jumped into the water.
The girl and nearby witnesses went into the water to try to help, but Tillman disappeared underwater.
Sheriff Grady Judd said, "We have had several boats from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, FWC, and Polk County Fire Rescue looking for this young man, and we will remain on scene until he is found."
Tillman's principal and football coach Eryk Anglin, was at the lake all night hoping for some good news.
“Lord God please just let him show up on the other side, maybe he’s lost and just can't find his way home,” Anglin said.
Tillman was found deceased around 5:12 a.m. on Monday morning in an area of the lake that was about 13-feet deep.
His coaches describe him as respectful, hardworking and a gentle giant. It was his first year playing football.
“He was already a wrestler, so coming into the football life was different and he was excited about learning the game,” said Jay Gissendaner.
Those who knew Tillman said his presence will be missed on and off the field.
“It’s very hard for all of us. The coaches, the players, the school. We're all going to miss Aaron," said Anglin.
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