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Body of 14 year old boy found after boating accident in Astor

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Rescue crews have recovered the body of a 14-year-old boy after a boat capsized on the water in Astor in Lake County about 8 p.m. Thursday.

A resident on Sunset Drive called authorities after a man ran to his door saying his boat capsized on Lake Schimmerhorn.

The man said the boy was still believed to be in the water.

The teenager was one of three boys in the boat, one of whom was his brother, authorities said.

According to Florida Fish and Wildlife officials, the two other teenagers were able to swim to shore as soon as the boat flipped, but the youngest didn't make it.

"It's just, it's tough. This is a tough situation," said FWC officer Greg Workman.  "By the time they turned back the boy was underwater."

The tragedy unfolded down a private road where everybody knows each other. Several neighbors said they knew the young boy.

"He's a local. I've known his family all my life. It's a tragedy. (He was) my daughter's friend," said Stephanie Elder.

Another neighbor said he went to school with the teen.

"He lived right up the road. We rode the bus together," said Matthew Long.

Officials have not said if the boys were wearing life vests or if there were any present on the boat.

They also do not know if alcohol played a factor in the accident.

"We'll know more about this tragic event as soon as we can put all the pieces together," Workman said.

The boat has not yet been recovered, and FWC officials hope to learn more about why it flipped once it is retrieved.

Several patrol deputies, marine patrol deputies and the Lake County Sheriff's Office helicopter responded to the call.



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