Teens’ bodies recovered from Bogue Chitto River after being swept under by current during family picnic

PIKE COUNTY, Miss. (WLBT) - The bodies of two missing teenagers have been recovered the Bogue Chitto River.

According to Sheriff Kenny Cotton with Pike County, the bodies of 19-year-old Latterius Wilkinson and 13-year-old Zechariah White, both from McComb, were found north of the Bogue Chitto River bridge in the Holmesville community.

White was recovered around noon and Wilkinson around 12:45 p.m. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks and the Civil Defense found the victims’ bodies.

“My prayers go out to the family and thanks to all the help especially the fish and wildlife officers," said Sheriff Cotton.

The victims were reported missing at 7:40 p.m. on July 4 by White’s grandmother.

They were at a family picnic playing in the water when a 12-foot undercurrent swept one of them under. The second victim attempted to help and was swept under as well.

Investigator David Cullom said neither teen was wearing a lifejacket or flotation device.

Cullom’s said authorities searched Thursday night and resumed the search at 8 a.m. the following morning.

Sheriff Cotton added that he would like to thank everyone that assisted in the search for the victims, including the Miss. Dept. of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks, the Civil Defense and the employees of the sheriff’s department.

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