Body of Missing 14-Year-Old Student Davoris Carter III Recovered After Jersey Shore Ocean Disappearance

Authorities confirm remains found near Cape May belong to Philadelphia student who vanished during a school trip to Wildwood; investigations into the incident remain ongoing.

Haika Mrema

Published: 6/12/2026, 4:34:42 AM EDT

Body of Missing 14-Year-Old Student Davoris Carter III Recovered After Jersey Shore Ocean Disappearance — Police tape in a file photo. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

The body of Davoris Carter III, a 14-year-old Philadelphia student who had disappeared while swimming in the ocean during a school trip to the Jersey Shore, was found on June 9.

The teen's body was located in the water near the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, New Jersey.

The Wildwood Police Department said it was notified on June 9 that recovery efforts were being conducted just off the training center's beach of a deceased individual.

“During the course of this investigation, it became apparent that this individual may be the 14-year-old juvenile male victim who had gone missing in the ocean in Wildwood on June 1, 2026,” the Wildwood Police Department said in a June 10 statement.

The recovery operation was conducted with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police, and the Cape May Police Department.

Following forensic examination, officials said positive identification confirmed the remains were those of Carter.

Carter’s family was notified after confirmation.

Swimmers in Distress

The discovery brings a tragic conclusion to a search that began June 1 after emergency crews responded to reports of swimmers in distress near Schellenger Avenue and the beach in Wildwood.

According to the Wildwood Fire Department, a police officer entered the water and helped three swimmers reach safety after multiple people were observed struggling in rough conditions. During the rescue effort, officials determined that one swimmer, a 14-year-old juvenile male, remained missing.

“A Wildwood Beach Patrol Team consisting of 3 lifeguards was also on duty and responded as well,” the department said in a news release.

Fire officials said rescue swimmers, lifeguards, police officers, and marine units from multiple agencies searched for Carter. The operation included rescue boards, personal watercraft, boats from the Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police, and local departments, as well as helicopters from state and federal agencies.

Delta School, the Philadelphia special education school Carter attended, issued a statement after authorities confirmed his death.

“Delta School is heartbroken over the recent loss of student Davoris Carter III,” the school said. “As we navigate this difficult time, we continue to hold Davoris, his family, and every member of our school community in our thoughts and prayers.”

The school said counseling and support services are being offered to students, families, and staff for the next three months while investigations by law enforcement, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, and the school continue.

Carter, known to family and friends as “Peter,” was just days away from graduating eighth grade. Speaking to NBC10 earlier this week before her son was found, his mother, Shyara Hill, made an emotional plea for answers and his return.

"He deserves to be brought home. He should be home," she said.