Missing Goldsboro teen identified as body found near North Topsail Beach

NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH, N.C. (WNCN) — A body that was found Sunday along a shore at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune was identified Monday as a missing Goldsboro teenager, officials said.

Mainor Perez Velasquez, 14, and his brother waded out into waters near the New River Inlet at North Topsail Island on July 4, according to North Topsail Beach officials. A passing boater was able to rescue Mainor’s brother, but Mainor vanished.

After days of searching, Mainor’s body was discovered around 9:45 a.m. Sunday at the military base near the New River Inlet, according to a North Topsail Beach news release.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy,” town officials said.

Mainor attended Southern Wayne High School. A GoFundMe has been set up by the surviving brother for his family.

“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Velasquez family during this difficult time,” North Topsail Beach news release said.

Camp Lejeune is located northeast of North Topsail Beach and includes shorelines along the New River and the Atlantic Ocean.

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