Lamaj McWilliams, 19, of Queens was reported missing on June 6, 2024, after last being seen at Jacob Riis Park in the Rockaways. He and another teenager were swimming after lifeguards had left for the day and were unable to make it back to shore amid strong rip currents and hazardous conditions.

A multi-agency search began immediately. The U.S. Coast Guard, NYPD, FDNY and other local resources used helicopters, marine units and divers, sweeping more than 600 square miles from Sandy Hook, New Jersey, to Long Beach, New York, and roughly 20 nautical miles offshore. The Coast Guard suspended the search on June 22, 2024, after several days without a positive outcome; authorities expressed condolences to the family.

The Rockaways community was deeply affected, and the case underscores the danger of rip currents and swimming without lifeguard supervision. If anyone has information about Lamaj’s movements at Jacob Riis Park that day, please come forward.