Photo: GoFundMe
Authorities positively identified the body of 15-year-old Kevin Poole Jr. who family members say jumped into the Mississippi River in an attempt to save two sisters, Brandy and Ally Wilson.
The New Orleans Police Department confirmed that Poole's remains were recovered from the river on Monday (May 2), according to CBS affiliate WWL-TV. Poole's identity was confirmed by the New Orleans Parish Coroner's Office, the teen's mother told the outlet.
"Today's news about the recovery of 15-year-old Kevin Poole Jr.'s body from the Mississippi River is absolutely heartbreaking," New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell wrote in a statement released on Twitter.
"No parent should have to endure the tragedy of losing a child. Words can never be enough in such a devastating moment," Cantrell added. "My thoughts and my prayers are with this family at this time as they will be for some time to come."
According to reports, Poole was last seen on April 23 while visiting a park near the river with 14-year-old Brandy Wilson and her 8-year-old sister Ally Wilson. At some point, Brandy slipped and fell into the river, prompting Poole and Ally to enter the water in an attempt to save her, WWL-TV reported.
Kevin's younger brother was also at the park, a GoFundMe fundraiser website says, noting that he went to get help after the three entered the water, and were taken under by the river's current.
The Wilson sisters have not yet been found.
Family members remember Kevin as being "brave" and "selfless" noting that he had dreams of one day launching a career in coastal management, according to the GoFundMe website.
A GoFundMe was also launched to support the parents of Ally and Brandy. Their father, Allen Barry, previously told the Times-Picayune/Orleans Advocate that the outing to the park was the first time the girls were allowed to leave the house by themselves.
Their mother, Octavia Wilson, who suffers from a heart condition, said Brandy took her sister to play in order to give her mother a break.
"My daughter said she was trying to give me a break," Octavia Wilson told WWL-TV. "I don't need a break, I need my children."
Last week, a balloon release was organized near the spot where the children were last seen.
Reading about Black trauma can have an impact on your mental health. If you or someone you know need immediate mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.