CHARLOTTE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A Dickson County teen died during a trip to Florida, according to his family.
15-year-old Jayelin Harper was visiting Orlando with the Dickson County High School's wrestling team to compete in a competition recently when the group went to Cocoa Beach.
During the trip, Jayelin was swept up in a current. He was taken to the hospital where he later died.
Alexandra talks in the player above to his family about his life in the player above.
A GoFundMe has been created to help with funeral expenses.
Dickson County Schools issued a statement on his passing:
"We were heartbroken to learn, like others in our community of Jayelin’s death. We ask for your prayers and support for his family, friends and teammates. We will have counselors available to assist our students and teachers in dealing with this tragedy. Those wishing to help the family, please check with local media and social media on how to donate to the family. Tristar Bank has set up an account for donations for the family as well as a GoFundMe account for the family."
According to Cocoa Beach Police, three teens were rescued from the ocean the day before Christmas Eve, and it's under investigation. The ocean rescue squad posted on Facebook that there were red flag conditions, and they urged swimmers to stay out of the water.
"The tide came in and swept him back out into the water," Jayelin's grandfather Anthony Williams said. "The doctors had put him into a coma to keep his brain from swelling or something like that, and then next thing you know they’re saying they might need to pull the plug."
Now, all they have is pictures to remember Jayelin.
"It hit hard. It hit like a brick ya know," Williams said. "He was a good little dude. He was doing good for himself. He was on the wrestling team. He was on the football team. He was doing good. I’m really proud of him."
A Celebration of Life will be held on New Year's Eve at Compassion Church in Dickson at 3 p.m. and at 6 p.m. there will be a balloon release at the high school's stadium.
Here is a link to make a donation for the Harper family in the memory of Jayelin Tarell Harper.
— Dickson County High School (@DCcougarnation) December 28, 2023
Tri Star Bank locations are also accepting donations if you prefer not to use the online method.
Please share with others!#BestOfTheBest pic.twitter.com/wF1BdQ7QIS
His mom said he will be buried in Alabama.
Fostering Hope provides Christmas for kids in foster care. I'm delighted to see Fostering Hope expand this year to expand their reach to now include kids in Foster care in metro AND foster kids in East TN hard hit by Helene.
-Bree Smith
