Body of Neptune N.J. teen Naisere Nelson found

Neptune, N.J. — Naisere Nelson’s body surfaced yesterday beneath the Ocean Avenue bridge in Avon, N.J., ending the search for the missing teen.

What happened to the Neptune Township High School student?

Nelson, 15, vanished after strong rip tides pulled him away while he swam at Bradley Beach last week.

Bradley Beach Police Chief Leonard Guida said a family friend, who is also a police officer, identified the body.

Guida said an official identification and the exact cause of death would follow an autopsy scheduled for today.

The Ocean Avenue Bridge is about 1 1/2 miles south of the beach where Nelson was swept out to sea.

According to CBS News, Nelson was swimming when he became caught in a rip current along with two other people.

Victor Pierez, 27, and Stephanie Crespo, 28, both of Elizabeth, reached the shore but Nelson didn’t.

After noticing Nelson was in trouble, a call was made for his rescue. Within minutes, at least 75 ANSWER team members, emergency personnel, from Bradley Beach, Neptune, and Avon responded.

Crews stopped the search during the storm, then worked until 2 p.m. the next day without finding Nelson.

Community remembers Naisere Nelson

Nelson’s story made national headlines with family, friends, and those who didn’t know the young man, express their sorrow, love, and his safe return.

The Neptune Township High School sophomore, an avid football player since age 7, was a running back and cornerback on the junior varsity football team during his freshman and sophomore years at Neptune High School.