Search Called Off for Missing 7-Year-Old Boy Weeks After His Dad Was Found Dead: 'He Was So Loved'

Mar. 15, 2025

Hunter Slezak.Photo:GoFundMe

GoFundMe

In a news release shared with PEOPLE on Monday, Dec. 16, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) confirmed they suspended operations on Sunday, Dec. 15.

“We exhausted all of our efforts on the water, in the air and with our divers,” said Sheriff Paul Burch in the news release. “It is our hope and prayer that the Slezak family will receive closure. We encourage anyone on the water and in the surrounding areas to contact us if anything is seen pertaining to Hunter’s case.”

In a previouspress release, the U.S. Coast Guard said Hunter had been out in the water with his father, Michael Slezak, 40, and Sam Wooley, 69, after their boat left from the Billy Goat Hole Boat Ramp on Dauphin Island on Friday, Nov. 29.

That evening, “watchstanders from Coast Guard Sector Mobile received a report of an overdue vessel, the MARTY ANN, with three people on board,” the Coast Guard added. The boat was “last heard from on Friday afternoon.”

A day later, on Nov. 30, a Coast Guard crew discovered a debris field about 9 miles south of Dauphin Island. There, they found the remains of Wooley and the elder Slezak.

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Michael Slezak.GoFundMe

According toAl.com, a service was held for the boy on Sunday, Dec. 15, at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.

“Hunter was full of sweet smiles, gave lots of hugs and exemplified happiness,” read apublished obituary. “He watched out for others and was so kind. He loved his family, playing sports and being outside. He was so very loved and will be truly missed.”

In a Dec. 15 Facebook post, Megan Slezak, the wife of Michael Slezak and mother of Hunter, thanked all of those who searched for her son.

“These past two weeks have been an overwhelming nightmare, but I have also been overwhelmed with the support of friends, family and community,” she wrote. “Thank you to the thousands of people who have shown their support in so many different ways.”

AGoFundMeestablished for the Slezak family in the wake of the tragedy has raised over $91,000 as of Dec. 16.

The MCSO also asked those with information related to the case to call 251-574-8633 or visitwww.mobileso.com/crimetipsand report anonymously.

source: people.com