New York City 13-year-old boys, Manny Flores and Isaiah Moronta, who were lifelong friends went missing in March after going for a dip in Uptown, NYC and now the police have found Isaiah's body.
Isaiah’s father, Oscar Moronta, who led a jet ski search for the boys that lasted more than five weeks, posted the sad news on his Instagram account Tuesday evening. Isaiah’s friend, 13-year-old Manny Flores, is still missing.
Using the hashtag #isaiahthehero and #isaiahandmanny, Moronta wrote:
It “wasn’t the outcome I would’ve wanted but I don’t question God. Isaiah is a hero n he sacrificed his life to save his friend. He will forever be a legend in my eyes cuz he did something that a lot of adults wouldn’t even do. I love u forever Isaiah n we still a team, ima make sure your name lives forever. I won’t let you down. I will keep fighting till we find manny. LONG LIVE ISAIAH.”
Mr. Moronta told PIX11 News Tuesday night that he appreciated all the condolences. “The search continues for Manny. We have to find Manny now,” he added.
Isaiah's dad explains that five teenagers (three boys and two girls) were playing in Inwood Park in the Spuyten Duyvil Creek area when Isaiah and Manny decided to go in for a dip. The boys jumped off the Amtrak railroad bridge that connects Manhattan to the Bronx.
Isaiah jumped in first and swam out and went back up to jump in for a second time. Manny jumped in and was having trouble getting to shore. Manny yelled help and Isaiah jumped in to help Manny. The boys under estimated the pressure and the current of the water. The water pushed both boys under the bridge and into the Hudson River.
Their friends noticed that they were struggling then called 911. By the time the police got there their bodies were no longer visible.
We continue to send our prayers to the Flores and Moronta families during this difficult time 🙏🏾