Search for Missing Bodyboarder to Continue Off Redondo Beach
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Authorities said they will continue to search the waters off Redondo Beach today for the body of Harbor City resident Juan Jose Mejia, a junior at Narbonne High School.
Mejia was last seen bodyboarding on Christmas, moments before a series of waves as high as eight feet knocked him off his bodyboard.
More than 50 friends and family continued to hold vigil on the beach near H Street, as 20 divers, five snorkelers, two boats and two helicopters searched for the teenager, who is presumed dead.
Abby Balderas, spokesman for the county lifeguards, said the search could continue a few more days, weather permitting.
“It’s something we want to do for the survivors. We know how much they want closure, and we want to provide that for them,” he said.
On Wednesday, the Narbonne varsity soccer team, which Mejia had recently joined, dedicated its season’s first tournament to his memory. The teammates wore black armbands and called for a moment of silence before going on to tie one game and win a second.
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