A Kentucky middle school student has drowned while on vacation in Florida.
Cylen Freeman, 13, of Fulton County, drowned Friday morning in the Gulf of Mexico, according to WJHG.com.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were dispatched to the 3600 block of Scenic Highway 98 between Destin and Miramar Beach, on the Gulf Coast, on the report of a distressed swimmer Friday morning at approximately 11:30.
Freeman and several other juveniles had been swimming about 65 yards from shore when the swimmers became distressed. Surfers aided in the rescue of the all the juveniles except Cylen, who could not be found.
Okaloosa County deputies, including the Marine Unit, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Beach Safety, EMS, and fire departments searched for the missing swimmer. The U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish & Wildlife also assisted in the search.
The teen was located in the Gulf by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit.
Cylen was in the 7th grade at Fulton County Middle School where he played basketball.
(Photo: Cylen Freeman, courtesy of the Fulton County School District)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
