JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — The search for a lost Jacksonville Beach swimmer continues Monday. 19-year-old Curtis Newkirk Jr. was last seen swimming in the ocean, just south of the Jacksonville Beach Pier on Sunday. Family and friends gathered on the beach Monday night holding red and blue balloons praying for his return.
They described Curtis Newkirk Jr. as responsible, respectful and say overall they are at a loss for words over his disappearance. There was a threat of rip currents when he vanished.
"He was a special young man," a family member said.
The #7 was marked out in the sand with candles. Friends tell First Coast News that was his basketball jersey number.
Family and friends described him as generous, loved and cared for.
"He would give the shirt off his back for you," another person said.
Jacksonville Beach Police say at about 7:30pm Sunday, Newkirk Jr. was last seen in the ocean south of the Jacksonville Beach Pier swimming with a group of friends. He was wearing blue swim shorts with a red and yellow design.
On Monday, the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office and Coast Guard searched for him using water and air resources. Surrounding areas including Nassau, and Flagler counties, Neptune and Atlantic Beaches, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office were also notified about the continued search for Newkirk.
Jacksonville Beach Police say the search for Newkirk is now a recovery mission. As of Monday night, his body has not been found. The Jacksonville Beach Police Department urges anyone with any information about his whereabouts to call 904-270-1667.