According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, three adults were swimming when they began struggling in the water. Bystanders were able to rescue two of the swimmers, but Wanton went underwater and never resurfaced.<\/p>\n
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The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search Sunday; however, JSO told First Coast News that Wanton is still listed as missing, and the agency’s Marine Unit continues to patrol the area in an effort to locate and recover him.<\/p>\n
First Coast News spoke with Wanton’s sister and aunt, who said they’re still struggling to process what happened and are praying for closure.<\/p>\n
“I\u2019m just still numb, and I just pray every day that they find him,” said Wanton’s aunt, Constance Lee. “If they don\u2019t, I hope he his body washes up so we can get closure.”\u00a0<\/p>\n
The family said Wanton traveled to Jacksonville to spend the weekend with his best friends. They said the last time they spoke with him was on the Fourth of July.<\/p>\n
His sister, Vernia Wanton, said her brother was known for his joyful personality and the light he brought to others.<\/p>\n
“My brother was the brightest young man ever; he was funny, had a lot of jokes just so uplifting in ways that it is indescribable,” Vernia Wanton said.<\/p>\n
The family said they are devastated by his disappearance and are holding onto hope that he will be found so they can bring him home to Georgia for a proper burial.<\/p>\n
Wanton’s aunt said the uncertainty has made the loss even more difficult.<\/p>\n
“I miss him so much, and it just really hasn\u2019t hit me that he\u2019s gone,” Lee said.<\/p>\n
As they wait for answers, the family says they continue to lean on one another while remembering the man they loved.<\/p>\n
“We were just looking at pictures the other night of him and it\u2019s gonna take a while. It\u2019s just gonna take a while,” Lee said.<\/p>\n