The steady hum of helicopters permeated Panama City Beach Friday night in the frantic hunt for three missing swimmers.
The three young men, all from Birmingham, went swimming Friday night when they got caught in a rip current. One-by-one, they were rescued but eventually died at local hospitals.
“Deep down inside, he had the heart of gold. He had a heart of gold. He would do whatever for the people he loved- for anybody, honestly. I hate his life was taken so soon- he didn’t really get to see life for what it was,” added Ray. Jemonda Ray leaves behind son and Richardson leaves behind his wife and 2-year-old son. Meanwhile, Ray’s family has a strong message for anyone heading out to the Gulf.
“Even if you’re visiting from out of town- make sure you do your research. That’s probably one thing that could have saved us from this entire situation was researching where we’re going and about the beach ‘cause we had no clue that someone died just the day before,” added Merchant.
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