In a devastating update on Sunday, December 2, 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard announced they were suspending the active search for Hunter Slezak (7), after recovering the bodies of two missing boaters. The bodies were found in the south of Dauphin Island, Alabama. The deceased individuals were identified as Hunter’s father Michale Slezak (40) and his friend Sam Wooley (69).
As previously reported on Saturday, December 1, Michael Slezak, a beloved Math Teacher at Semmes Middle School, was found dead alongside a friend, Sam Wooley, amid a search for three missing boaters. The duo, along with Michael’s son Hunter, had taken off on Wooley’s Marty Ann, a 20-foot white cuddy cabin boat from Billy Goat Hole Dauphin Island on Friday to go shrimping. However, they disappeared somewhere in Pelican Bay.
On Saturday, the bodies of two adults were found among floating debris fields 9 miles south of Dauphin Island. At the time, the authorities continued to search for 7-year-old Hunter. However, after searching by air and sea for approximately 65.2 combined hours and covering more than 2,042 square miles, authorities suspended their search on Sunday.
Michael and Hunter Slezak's GoFundMe raises over $16,000
In the wake of the tragedy, community members are rallying around Megan (Meg) Slezak, the wife of Michael Slezak and mother of Hunter Slezak, who is still missing at sea. Community members initiated a GoFundMe campaign to render financial assistance to the grieving family in this difficult time.
The fundraiser, at the time of writing the article, has raised over $16,000 in 9 hours. Over 200 people donated to the fundraiser to help the family reach the target of $25,000. The fundraiser, organized by Adrienne Magill, said:
“The Slezak family is facing an unimaginable loss. Michael and Hunter Slezak were in a traject boating accident, leaving behind a heartbroken family. We are raising funds to help cover funeral costs, food, and other essential expenses during this incredibly difficult time. Any contribution, no matter how small, will be deeply appreciated. Thank you for your support.”
In a gut-wrenching Facebook post on Sunday, Hunter Slezak's mom Megan urged community members with a boat to continue to look for her missing son so she could provide a proper burial after authorities suspended their search. She wrote:
"If anyone can volunteer their boat or plane to help look today it would mean so much. Here is the head of search party. Call this if you can help-8336628724. I just need the closure of having his body to bury."
Tributes came pouring in on social media in the wake of the tragic incident. Michael Slezak, Samuel Wooley, and Hunter were described as beloved members of the community and people seem to be struggling to grapple with their profound loss. In a Facebook Post, Kennedie Olson, who appeared to know the victims, described Hunter Slezak as an innately kind boy.
Semmes Middle School paid tribute to their baseball coach and math teacher, Michael Slezak, writing:
“Through every lesson taught, every practice-led, and every word of encouragement, he made an impact on our community.”
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A community member, Kaison Barton, described Sam Wooley as “One of the best men I have had the pleasure of knowing.”
Capt. Robert Tucker, Coast Guard Sector Mobile, Deputy Commander, extended condolence to the victim's families.
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