‘Kind and thoughtful’ high schooler vanishes swimming with friends off Oregon coast
An 18-year-old high school student was swimming with three others off an Oregon beach when he disappeared in the water.
Jacob Stokes, a senior at Mountainside High School in Beaverton, was reported missing at about 3:50 p.m. May 12 from Cannon Beach, according to Cannon Beach Rural Fire Protection District and a statement from high school principal Todd Corsetti.
Fire officials said two people made it out of the water after the group swam out too far. The responders rescued the third person but couldn’t find Stokes.
The person who was saved was taken to a hospital, rescuers said.
Corsetti sent an email to families announcing Stokes’ death Sunday, May 15.
“On Friday, senior Jacob Stokes was involved in a tragic swimming accident in the ocean along Cannon Beach. At this time, his body has not yet been found,” according to the statement.
Stokes was described as “a friend to many” and “kind and thoughtful.”
He was also on his high school cross country and track teams. He competed in the 100 meter and javelin races.
Stokes had plans to go to Oregon State University in the fall, Corsetti said.
Fire officials warned the public of unpredictable rip currents in the Pacific Ocean that “can take a person out in a matter of seconds.”
If anyone sees a distressed swimmer, they should call 911, officials said.
Beaverton is less than 10 miles west of downtown Portland.
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