Authorities in California are taking a rescue mission to an unfortunate turn in the search for the body of Wyoming Class of 2019 signee Naphtali Moimoi. According to an update from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, the operation moved from a rescue mission to a water recovery. It has reached an unfortunate ending as no body was discovered.
Moimoi was last seen at Half Moon Bay in California rising on a boogie board. A strong rip current whisked Moimoi away out to sea, with a search and rescue mission getting underway Friday morning. As the day progressed, the search reached a conclusion with no body found.
After an extensive search we are switching from a rescue to a water recovery. Search efforts have concluded at this time due to the lack of visibility & high surf conditions, & the probability of detection. We are working with the family & will continue to be a resource for them.
— San Mateo County S.O (@SMCSheriff) April 19, 2019
We have concluded the search on the waters in Half Moon Bay. We will continue to work with local authorities to be on the look out & follow up on any information we receive.
— San Mateo County S.O (@SMCSheriff) April 19, 2019
Thank you to everyone who assisted with the search efforts.
Moimoi is a two-star recruit from Hayward, California in Wyoming’s Class of 2019. The defensive end signed with Wyoming in December 2018 during the early signing period.
The outlook may look grim at this point, but local authorities remain on the case and will review any and all information that comes in regarding the missing body. Wyoming’s football program will continue to monitor the situation as needed as well.