Michael Slezak, a beloved Math Teacher at Semmes Middle School, was found dead alongside a friend, Sam Wooly, during the search for three missing boaters. Police continue to search for Slezak’s 7-year-old son, who was with the duo before they were reported missing.
According to multiple reports on Friday, November 29, Slezak, his 7-year-old son Hunter and friend Sam Woolly were on a boat to go shrimping off Dauphin Island before they disappeared. The vessel that belonged to Sam Wolly was named Marty Ann, a 20-foot white cuddy cabin boat. The boat that left Billy Goat Hole Dauphin Island on Friday, was last seen shrimping in Pelican Bay.
On Saturday, November 30, family members reportedly confirmed Michael Slezak and Sam Wolly were reportedly found dead eight or nine miles southwest of Dauphin Island. The bodies were found amid floating boat debris. Authorities are still searching for 7-year-old Hunter. In a Facebook post, WKRG reporter Haylee Kennedy reported:
“Family members tell News 5 that the bodies of Michael Slezak and Sam Wooly have been found deceased. The search is still continuing for the 7-year-old boy.”
Community mourns Michael Slezak's passing
Slezak’s passing has dealt a devastating blow to the community. An Alabama native, he was also a coach at Semmes Middle School. Parents of young athletes took to social media to express their shock and devastation over the tragic incident.
Slezak was described as an amazing coach and teacher, who was idolized by his students. A student’s parent, Rachel Mudrich, wrote:
“Our SMS baseball team lost an amazing coach, our students lost an amazing teacher, our community lost two amazing people in these men. Devastated is not a strong enough word to describe our boys, our school, our community.”
Another parent, John Canon, added:
“My family is heartbroken from the news that Coach Michael Slezak has passed. My girls are heartbroken. My heart is heavy and we are praying for the family. So sad. He was the girls coach and a good friend. He will be greatly missed. RIP.”
A community member, Carolyn Cain, prayed for the safe return of Slezak’s son Hunter. She said:
“Praying for the families of Coach Michael Slezak, Coach & Math teacher @ Semmes Middle School & his friend, Samuel Wooley. Both drowned in a boating accident@ Dauphin Island. Praying they find Coach Slezak's 7-year-old son, Hunter.”
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As of Sunday, Slezak’s son is still missing. The U.S. Coast Guard provided an update on Saturday urging anyone with information about the missing person's whereabouts to contact 833-662-8724.
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