The body of 15-year-old Kevin Poole, Jr., was identified by the Orleans Parish Coroner Dr. Dwight McKenna on Monday.
The recovery of his body was “absolutely heartbreaking,” the mayor said in her statement. Poole’s body was found in the river along the Piety Street Wharf on Monday, according to Jason Melancon, a spokesperson for the coroner’s office.
“No parent should have to endure the tragedy of losing a child,” Cantrell added. “Words can never be enough in such a devastating moment, but my thoughts and my prayers are with his family at this time as they will be for some time to come.”
A spokesperson for the Coast Guard told CNN the force is “ready to assist at the request of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) who is the lead agency coordinating recovery operations.”
CNN has reached out to the department for an update on the search but has not heard back.