Marquest Andre Page Jr. Remembered in North Carolina After Brave Water Rescue Leads to Tragic Outcome in Onslow County

 Authorities in Onslow County have confirmed the preliminary identification of a body recovered in the waters near Sneads Ferry as Marquest Andre Page Jr., a missing swimmer whose disappearance triggered a multi-day search effort along the North Topsail Beach coastline.

According to officials with the Town of North Topsail Beach, Onslow County Communications received a report around 10:40 a.m. on Monday, June 8, from a boater who spotted a deceased individual in the water near Canal Drive. Responding officers with the North Topsail Beach Police Department arrived at the scene and made a preliminary identification of the body as Page. The remains were later transferred to the Onslow County Medical Examiner’s Office for formal confirmation.

The discovery comes after several days of coordinated search operations launched when Page was reported missing during a water rescue incident on Monday afternoon. Authorities say he entered the water after noticing a child caught in a strong current and was able to bring the child safely back toward shore. However, after the rescue, he was reportedly pulled further into the water and disappeared beneath the surface.

What followed was an extensive search effort involving multiple agencies working across air, land, and sea. Crews deployed boats, jet skis, drones, and shoreline patrol units to cover large stretches of coastline around North Topsail Beach Access 3 and nearby waterways. The area is known for strong currents and has been the site of previous water-related emergencies, adding urgency and complexity to the search.

As days passed without success, officials made the difficult decision to transition from a search-and-rescue operation to a recovery effort, stating that survival chances had become increasingly unlikely due to conditions and elapsed time. On June 5, authorities announced that active search operations would be suspended at 6 p.m., though they noted that periodic monitoring of the area would continue.

The news of the recovery has brought a somber conclusion to an incident that drew widespread concern and support from the community. Officials expressed condolences to Page’s family and extended gratitude to all agencies and personnel who participated in the search efforts, emphasizing the coordination and dedication shown throughout the operation.

The North Topsail Beach Police Department continues to oversee the investigation, and final identification from the Medical Examiner’s Office remains pending. Authorities have directed any additional inquiries to their office as the case moves toward formal closure.

For those following the story, Page’s actions have been remembered as an act of bravery in a dangerous moment, reflecting a willingness to help others even under life-threatening conditions. As the community processes the outcome, attention now turns to supporting his family and honoring the effort made during the search.