A tragic incident unfolded near Cannon Beach as a senior student from Mountainside High School, Jacob Stokes, is presumed to have drowned while swimming.
Despite extensive search efforts, his body remains unfound.
Today, Mountainside High School in Beaverton will have additional support staff present to assist students dealing with the devastating news.
Sunrise reporter Devin Haskins is reporting live from Mountainside High School, where Principal Drew shared his sentiments about Stokes, highlighting his friendly and thoughtful nature.
Teachers described him as easygoing yet focused.
As a senior, Stokes was looking forward to graduating from Mountainside High School, with only a month remaining until the ceremony.
He was actively involved in the school’s cross country team and participated in track events, excelling in the 100-meter dash and javelin throw.
Oregon State University was his intended destination for further education.
Starting on Friday afternoon, fire and rescue teams initiated a search operation near Tolovana Beach, following reports that four teenagers, including Stokes, were no longer visible from the shore.
Two students managed to make their way back, while a rescue swimmer saved another.
Unfortunately, Jacob Stokes has not been located.
As the school day begins at 8:00 AM, teachers at Mountainside High School will read a statement about Jacob Stokes to their students.
This statement will be repeated later in the morning for those students who start school late.
To provide support for both students and staff coping with this tragic event, additional counselors from various schools in the district will be present at Mountainside High School.
The community is deeply saddened by the loss, and the campus mourns the passing of Jacob Stokes.
KGW News extends its condolences to the family and friends affected by this heartbreaking incident.
