The body of Austin Whetsell, a 15-year-old Lexington County boy with Bowman ties, was found at approximately 8:15 a.m. Tuesday by a fisherman in Zihuantenejo, Mexico.

The finding of Austin's body closed a two-day search, which was led by his father, Walter Whetsell - with minimal involvement from Zihuantenejo law enforcement.

"Walter had to hire some search and rescue teams," said Gwen Looper, St. George resident and great aunt of Austin Whetsell. "He had to hire divers and helicpters to help with the search. there were some local fishermen that helped with the search and it was a fisherman who found Austin's body."

Austin was swimming Sunday afternoon when he got caught in a riptide and was swept away.

He was a member of Lexington Presbyterian Church and was on a mission trip in Mexico.

"We are all just so thankful that the body was found," Looper said. "That can give some closure to this situation.

Mrs. Looper said she will always remember Austin as a cheerful young man.

"I will never forget our family Christmas's together. We always had what we called the Whetsell Christmas. My fondest memories of Austin will be how much he enjoyed Christmas and being with his family."

Mrs. Looper said Austin as also an avid Carolina (USC) baseball fan.

Austin is the son of Walter and Kathi Whetsell of Lexington and the grandson of Gene Whetsell of Walterboro - formerly of Bowman.

Austin's mission trip to Mexico was his first mission trip.

In a letter recently written to his grandfather, Austin stated - "This may be something the Lord wants me to do."

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