PULASKI COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — Authorities say an 18-year-old from Pulaski County died in a river accident Saturday evening.
According to the London-Laurel Rescue Squad, crews responded to a possible drowning near Bee Rock Trail around 5 p.m. Saturday.
An 18-year-old was reported to have gone underwater while swimming and did not surface after some time.
The Rescue Squad deployed boats and divers to the scene along with the Somerset-Pulaski County Rescue Squad.
According to the Rescue Squad, after searching the area, Pulaski County divers made a positive find on the body and began recovery.
The family confirmed the teen's identity to LEX 18 as Wyatt Morrissey.
The grandmother of the teen, Lisa Ann Shourds, released the following statement:
"The family is in such turmoil they can't really speak right now, so I will abide by their decision. All I can say he was a kind and bright soul. Graduated early from high school, so very smart. He was going to the Navy in just two weeks to study nuclear engineering, that he was that bright. He was loved by his family and friends, and girlfriend. He had just completed 4-year upward-bound studies from SCC. He will be missed so much."
Kristi Snead, a teacher of Wyatt, also commented on his passing:
"I would just like to say that Wyatt was a respectful, kind, thoughtful, funny, smart, and motivated young man who was determined to do great things in his life. He was headed to basic training for the Navy in a couple weeks and was so excited. I coordinate the Bridge program for Upward Bound-Pulaski at SCC. During Bridge, students in our program who have just graduated take summer college classes with SCC and attend workshops with me four days a week to prepare and get a head start on college in the fall. He is the first student I've had in Bridge that wasn't headed straight to college. The fact that he chose to do that anyway shows his character, work ethic, and motivation to better his life. He was a great kid and will be deeply missed."
Morrissey's family confirmed he just recently wrapped up his time in the 'Upward Bound' program at Somerset Community College and was just two weeks out from joining the Navy.
"We're sad because we've lost a great friend and a young man with lots of potential and promise, but that the same time we celebrate his life knowing who he is and what he stood for," said Stephanie Likins, program director for Upward Bound at SCC.
No further information on the drowning has been released.
