I am so sad to tell you all that at 8:15 AM local time (9:15 AM EDT), the harbor master found Austin's body. We waited to release this information until we had the chance to notify the family. We don't have any more details at the moment.
We have set up a memorial fund at Wachovia Bank to help defray the costs of the search, travel for the family, the return of Austin to the U.S. and possibly projects that the Whetsells would like done in Austin's memory. If you would like to make a donation to the fund, please make your check out to the Austin Whetsell Memorial Fund and send it to Lexington Presbyterian Church at 246 Barr Road, Lexington, SC 29072. You can also go to any Wachovia branch and make a donation to the fund. We hope soon that we will have the ability for folks to make a donation online through PayPal. I will update you on that possibility through PayPal does charge a 3% fee for use of their services.
This is not the desired conclusion to the search but there is relief in recovering Austin. This closes the chapter on the search and all the emotional limbo it created. It obviously starts a new chapter of grieving. Please continue to pray for Walter & Kim as they bring their boy home. Pray that the complications of transporting Austin home will resolve themselves. Pray for the team as the are now hearing the hard news. Pray that they would come home safe.
We will continue to post updates on the Whetsells and the team so check back later today. Thanks so much for your prayers.
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58 comments:
To the family & friends of Austin Whetsell, you will remain in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you comfort & guidance through this storm.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
i didn't know austin, but he seemed to be a wonderful boy with a heart of gold. i am praying for walter & kim; i pray they experience God's healing, one-of-a-kind comfort. and i pray that there will be endless support. i hope joy can be found in knowing that austin is in heaven. he is whole and he got to meet Jesus face to face!!
my prayers are with you, walter and kim, austin's friends, and the team.
matthew 5:4 "blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
Walter, I am so sorry. May God be with you and your family during this difficult time.
Mary Pat Baldauf
May the grace and comfort that only God can give in a time like this keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Walter and Kim,
I love you guys and I'm so sorry. You and your family are constantly in my prayers.
Mexico Team, I love you guys as well. Can't wait to hug you all.
The staff and people at First Pres Columbia are praying for you all.
Dearest Whetsell Family -
Honestly we can not even wrap our mind around the suffering that you are experiencing. We are reminded that we can wrap our heart around the love of God and trust that you continue to do so through this very difficult time. We wish we could offer you our special words of wisdom at this moment, we can not; we can only offer you the words of scripture:
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,
so great is his unfailing love. Lam 3:32 (NIV)
My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life. Ps 119:50 (NIV)
I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 16:20, 22 (NIV)
Please accept our heartfelt sorrow.
In His Amazing Love
The Varnadoe family
I did not know Austin, but I pray for his family and their loss. Its hard to lose a family member.At only 15 Ive lost both parents, its hard. But I pray everything will work out.
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with all of Austin's friends and family!
Walter and Kim, I am so sorry to read about the death of your son. I don't have the words to say anything that others are not saying, other I am lifting you up to the Lord and asking that He comfort you.
Gary Karr
Walter, Kim, and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very hard time.
Les Janzen family
To Austin's Family and Friends:
You are in my thoughts and prayers. God's arms are around you right now. You have a whole community here in South Carolina that will be here to offer support. Take care of each other.
-Angie Enlow
We in North Charleston, SC are so sorry for the huge loss you are suffering.
On our knees in prayer,
The Green family
WALT, KIM & FAMILY,
Our hearts are with you. We pray that you find peace in knowing that Austin is in the arms of God. No words can ease your pain at this time just know we are here for you, we love you and we are so sorry for your loss.
Eddie & Tammy Crim
Kim and Walter,
I am so sorry deeply sorry for your loss. Please know that we are praying for at Covenant Presbyterian. Also, many, many in the homeschooling community are sorrowing with you and praying for you. May the God of all comfort grant you the peace that passes understanding.
Zan Tyler
...the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. -2Cor1:3,4
I know that there are 1,000's and more who are praying for peace and comfort for all of you. May there not be a moment in the day when prayers are not being lifted up in your behalf.
-Jessica Michaud
My heart & prayers go out to the family, your church, & the youth group. May God grant you all the strength to get through this difficult time in your lives!
In Him,
Rev. Jonathan Chapman
Walter and family, Our condolances on behalf of the Lexington Area Tennis community.
Walter, Kim, and all the family members and friends associated with Austin, we are so sorry for your loss.
Derek Miller
Walter and Kim,
my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God Bless you and be with you during this time of loss. May God give you comfort.
Eric Dell
My daughters and I have prayed for your family and know that God's grace will be revealed to you. God's peace to you and the team as you travel back to the states, and may God's love envelope you and hold you until family and friends can do so.
In Him
To the family and friends of Austin,
Know that we grieve with you over Austin and are lifting all of you up to our heavenly Father's throne of grace, praying He will be the God of all comfort to you in this great time of need.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Michael Whitesides and all your brothers and sisters in Christ at Bear Marsh Missionary Baptist Church in Mount Olive, N.C.
Walter and Kim, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know this has to be a very difficult time right now for all of you. Your story has touched me from when I first heard about it Monday evening. I have a 17 yr old and a 14 yr old, so I can't even imagine your pain. Just find peace in the fact that Austin is in heaven and rejoicing with the Lord. I will continue to pray for you. Please find comfort in the words of the Lord.
The Frick family from Chapin,SC
Austin was my lab parter in Biology a few times last year.
great guy.
he'll be greatly missed.
i'll keep his family in prayer.
dear Whetsell family:
i learned of your loss through mutual friends. Our heart grieves with you in the loss of your son. We pray God's grace is all suffcient in your weakness and His comfort covers you in your grief, and His strength is enough for each moment...and sustains you in the dark of night.
Paige
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Whetsell family.
I'm so sorry. We are continuing to pray for comfort and healing.
-Melanie H.
mr. and mrs. whetsell and family,
i'm so sorry for your loss. my thoughts and prayers have been with you since i've heard about this. my God give you comfort and peace during this tough time.
Please know my heart goes out to the Whetsell Family, this has to be the hardiest time of your life may peace be with you in your time of grief. I will continue to pray for your and your family at this horrific time in your like.
God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but HE did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears & light for the way.
May God bless,
Carol F.
Columbia SC
DEAR WHETSELL FAMILY, MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY. I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MY HEART HURTS FOR YOUR FAMILY. I KNOW YOU MUST FEEL SUCH PRIDE IN HAVING A SON AS SPECIAL AS AUSTIN. I HOPE YOU FEEL COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT YOUR SON IS IN SUCH A BETTER PLACE WITH OUR LORD. I WILL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS! THE SAMPLE FAMILY
Dear Whetsell family,
Please know that I and my family are praying that God will give you His peace and comfort during this hard, sorrowful time.
Austin was my partner in geometry class and I did Spanish VBS with him a couple weeks ago. He had such a happy, funny personality that was a blessing to everyone around him.
You are wrapped in the loving arms of our precious Lord and the prayers of your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Rebecca Kneisley
We are told in 1 John 3 that we will be like Christ when we see HIM as He is face to face. Austin is as Christ because he has beheld the KING! We to are being transformed into the image of Christ through this pain. Please know that Church @ Dutch Fork is lifting you before the comforter and loves you very much! If there is anything we can do let us know.
In HIS Grip,
Pastor Thomas Yarbrough and CDF
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know we are praying for you and your family.
Your family has blessed our lives in so many wonderful ways. Austin was a joy to all that knew him. Together we pray that God gives you all peace, understanding, and comfort today and in the time ahead. We continue to pray for you and cannot begin to express our sorrow for your loss.
God Bless,
Katie & BJ
My deepest sympathies to the family and friends. What a tragedy to lose a young man who had a heart for others. My prayers are with the Whetsells.
"For the Lord will not cast off forever, but though he cause grief He will have compassion according to the abundance of His steadfast love, for He does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of man" (Lam. 3:31-33).
Dear Whetsell family,
We will be lifting you up to the Father.
In Christ,
The McGuire Family
St. Louis, MO
i went to the MHSRC with Austin. he will be missed. yall are in our prayers day and night.
Walt and Kim, Nelson and Carole, Melanie and Kelly,
My heart has been breaking ever since I first heard that Austin was missing. I remember so many times that we spent together as children and I remember us being pregnant at the same time, although on opposite sides of the world, when Austin and Cody were born. I know that your family is strongly grounded in the Lord, and I know He will be your comforter and your shield during this dark time.
All our family will continue to pray for you all, and I echo the comment earlier.. may there not be a moment that you are not lifted up in prayer by someone.
love
Holly Flake Sox
Walter and Kim:
You've been in my prayers since I heard the news Monday morning. I hope you have a safe journey home and I will continue to keep your family in my prayers.
Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers for the last few days and will remain in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss and may God give you peace and strength.
C. Reynolds
Walter, Kim & family,
May God give you the peace that passes all understanding and may He be glorified by taking Austin home so soon.
Kelly & Dan Hamilton
Walter and Kim,
Please know that our prayers are with you during this time. We love you.
Mike and Leslie Burton
My love, my thoughts and my prayers are with the entire Whetsell family. I am so saddened by the loss of such a young man, but praise to the Father that he is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He did not suffer, but was plucked out by Jesus himself and taken HOME!!!
Hi. I just wanted to let you know that we are also praying for you in the Wake Forest area of NC. It is something hard to accept or go through, so I pray that our Heavenly Father comforts you and helps you through it.
With Christ's Love,
Michelle A.
Our prayers surround you, your families and friends, and your community of faith. We are so saddened by your loss.
Dear Whetsells,
We are sorry for your loss. Our family has been lifting you all in prayer these past two days. I also pray for the youth team and leaders. As youth leaders, ourselves, we can't imagine what you went through. But God is faithful. He has carried your family through homeschooling and spiritual training. Along with your church family and youth group, you have done well to raise him to know and serve Christ. And now he is able to hear the words we all long to hear one day, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Rest in these words.
Sincerely,
Rick and Marie Velilla
(Church at Dutch Fork, HEART of H5)
Dear Whetsell Family,
I am deeply sorry to hear about Austin, You are all in my thoughts and prayers, God has a purpose for all of this, sometimes we just cant see it, I knew your son, and I know he is in a better place. If there is any way I can assist you, please let me know.
In Christ,
Katie
The Whetsell Family,
I love you guys so much and I can't imagine losing one of my brothers. We are praying constantly for your whole family and if you need us, give us a ring.
<>< In Christ, Bethany and the rest of the Osterhaus Family
I personally do not know the family or friends, but I was still saddened by the loss of such a young person who was showing by word and deed that young people can work hard at following Christ's footsteps.
I receive comfort to know that the God that promises comfort (2 Corinthians 1: 3,4) through our tribulations also promises the hope of a resurrection for those loved ones that have died. (John 5:28, 29)
Dear Whetsell and LPC Church,
Your story has weighed heavy on our hearts .While we cannot fully comprehend all that has transpired we are quickly reminded that God is in control. We are praying that God will be with your family now during this difficult time and send a peace like no other to you. You are in our prayers daily.
wishing you God's peace,
The Coulter Family
Dear Whetsell Family,
Your extended family at Riverbend Community Church has been lifting you up in prayer. We weep with you over your loss. We trust that the Lord's grace and faithfulness will be abundant and sufficient each day of this difficult journey.
deb brickle
Dear Kim, Walter and children
We sorrow with you in the loss of Austin. We lost my sister in Lima, Peru as missionaries when I was young and know nothing but our Jesus will ever fill the void he has left. May the God of all comfort surround you behind and before, over and under, within and out with His love, grace, kindness and mercy, now till you see your Austin ever so soon. Our precious Lord not only takes notice of every turn in bed related to our pain but He does not waste even our tears in our sadness recording and saving them in His special place.
Psalm 56:8 "You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?"
We love you,
The Osterhaus'
You are in our family's prayers.
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrow like sea billows roll;
What ever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul;
It is well, it is well with my soul
with my soul;
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control.
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And has shed his own blood for my soul.
It is well with my soul;
It is well, it is well with my soul.
My sin–O the bliss of this glorious thought!–
My sin, not in part, but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more;
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well with my soul;
It is well, it is well with my soul.
O Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
The trumpet shall sound and the Lord shall descend;
“Even so” it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul;
It is well, it is well with my soul.
———————–
Spafford wrote this poem/hymn after his daughters were drowned at sea when their ship collided with another.
Gracious Lord,
It is during trials such as the one the Whetsell family is currently facing that we sometimes forget you have a purpose for everything. Thank you for the many lives Austin touched during his time with us and for the lives he will continue to touch during his everlasting time with you. Help us to remember that although your will may be beyond our understanding, it is for your glory. Heal the hearts of those who are mourning Lord and give them comfort. It's in your holy name that I lift up this prayer.
"I will praise you in this storm, and I will lift my hands. For you are who you are, no matter where I am. And every tear I've cried, you hold in your hand. You've never left my side, and though my heart is torn..I will praise you in this storm"
Whetsell family,
i am so sorry
about all this. we all love austin and miss him so much.
he was an amazing person and dearly loved by all. i do not kno of one person who had a negative thought of austin. we will always remember him and he will always be in our hearts. it hurts me so much to see all of you hurting like this. i am so sorry and i am always here for each and every one of you.
you're all in my prayers and thoughts.
-becca byrd
May the Lord Bless and Keep thee in this time of grief. May the Lord show his Mercy and Grace apon thee. May the Lord give thee everlasting Peace. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
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