16-year-old identified as St. Lucie River drowning victim

Port St. Lucie police confirmed Tuesday they found the body of a 16-year-old in the St. Lucie River.

WPTV spoke with a woman who said she is the aunt of 16-year-old Ja'Quon Madaris, who was fishing with friends when he disappeared missing Tuesday. She said her nephew did not know how to swim.

The family confirmed that his body had been found.

The Port St. Lucie Police Department confirmed on X that a "16-year-old male was fishing under the bridge with two other juveniles. All three juveniles attempted to cross the perimeter of a patch of mangroves when the water became too deep for the 16-year-old and he submerged under water and failed to resurface."

It added that the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team "recovered the juvenile’s body submerged under the bridge."

Port St. Lucie police told WPTV the 16-year-old and two friends were fishing and attempting to cross the river in shallow water when the depth dropped down 10 to 12 feet. The body was recovered just before 4 p.m.

The Port St. Lucie Police Department posted on X at approximately 1 p.m. that the incident happened under the Twin Bridges on Southeast Port St. Lucie Boulevard, east of Southeast Floresta Drive.

Post St. Lucie police officials said this is the second water-related incident they have responded to since the start of January.

“Just because you’re fishing from land, don’t take for granted that you’re not going to end up in the water," shared Port St. Lucie Asst. Chief Leo Niemczyk. "If you’re not a strong swimmer consider carrying or wearing a life jacket, a flotation device, having it handy. One of his friends could’ve thrown one onto him if they had one available.”

"Please avoid the area and seek alternate routes as there is a heavy first responder presence on and below the bridge," the police department wrote.

Photos posted on X showed multiple Port St. Lucie police cruisers on the bridge, as well as at least one law enforcement boat in the water.

“Now that I know what happened, why the helicopter was going round and round, I’m heartbroken for their family, I really am." stated resident Barbara Robotti. "These kids are just starting out their lives at 16 and they lose their friend it’s heartbreaking.”

Port St. Lucie Police Department

Madaris' family has started a GoFundMe page to raise money for funeral expenses. To donate, click here.