Friends Remember LI Teen Lost While Fishing: 'We Are Devastated'

CENTER MORICHES, NY — A search continued Tuesday for a 16-year-old who went missing while fishing at Cupsogue Beach County Park Friday, police said — and the Center Moriches community has been devastated by the teenager's disappearance.

Joseph Rera was last seen in the waters of the Moriches Inlet, police said, and his friends say that it is likely he slipped from the jetty where he was fishing.

The community has been rocked by the news. A GoFundMe page, "Joseph Rera Family Fund," has been created by Joe's lifetime friend, James Debler-Seidel, 16, of Center Moriches.

"We together, are the friends and family of Joseph Rera," James wrote. "We all know Joey as an avid fisherman, spending countless hours fishing since he was probably old enough to stand. We are devastated that he is missing at this time; he has brought our whole community together in prayer and support."

Describing his friend, James said: "Joey radiates comedic energy and brings joy into the most unlikely situations. He is down to earth; everyone who meets him can't help but smile and laugh in his presence. We are asking for prayers, and if you would like to donate to Joey's family at this time, it would be greatly appreciated."

Speaking with Patch, James said he has known Joe since kindergarten. "We have been friends ever since," he said. "He could take any moment and make light out of it. He could turn someone's day around and make it the happiest day they've ever had. He could put a smile on anyone's face, and I mean that, to the fullest extent. He was just a happy person."

Fishing was Joe's passion, James said. "That's all he ever talked about, all he ever wanted to do. That's all I want to do."

James and Joe went fishing together often, many times at the same spot where his friend was last seen. "That was our favorite spot," he said.

Joe was an experienced fisherman but the James said the tide was low and he might have slipped and fallen into the water.

No matter how it happened, Joe's family and friends were blindsided.

On Saturday, James and his friends organized a candlelight vigil at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Center Moriches.

His voice filled with emotion, James described his feelings about his friend's disappearance: "Honestly, it doesn't feel real. It hits me at times. I don't fully understand it, I guess."

Sharing memories of his longtime friend, James said Joe loved nature, animals and sunsets, and wanted to pursue a career on the water.

He was also well-liked by all who knew him, James said. "No one ever had a problem with Joe."

Describing his favorite memory of his friend, James recalled a story that captured Joe's essence: "We were ice fishing at Kaler's Pond. We were all fishing, not catching anything, but that didn’t matter. Joe knew how to put a smile on our faces. He decided to go on the ice with his BMX bike and start sliding and jumping on the ice. My friend finally caught a yellow perch and Joe was quick to take his propane burner and cast-iron pan out of his bag. He quickly cleaned the fish and portioned it out to everyone. It was such a fun day, with lots of joy. That was hands down my best memory with joe."

Ronald Masera, superintendent of the Center Moriches School District, sent a message to families Monday.

"It is with profound sadness that I share with you some devastating news regarding one of our Center Moriches High School students," he wrote. "We were informed by the Rera family that on Friday evening their son Joseph was lost in a tragic fishing accident. Joseph’s body has not been recovered."

Joe was in his junior year at Center Moriches High School.

"I know the entire Center Moriches community joins me in expressing our heartfelt condolences to the entire Rera family," Masera wrote. "This kind of loss is unimaginable and we want to do all we can to support the Rera family and Joe’s friends."

To that end, Masera said counseling was available. "There is no right or wrong way for students to react. Everyone that knew Joe may respond to this news differently."

Beginning Monday, a counseling center was established at the high school in the library and outdoor courtyard so that students and others can gather while following safety protocols.

Members of the district's mental health team are available to speak with family, students and staff. In addition, there are resources on the district website to assist parents in speaking to children about death and grieving.

The Rera family, Masera said, has asked the district to emphasize there are many dangers inherent in fishing at Moriches Inlet. The Rera family urged individuals to read safety tips for cold water surfcasting, he said.

"This is a tragedy for the Rera family and the entire Center Moriches community. Joe and all those who loved him will remain in our thoughts and prayers," Masera wrote.

According to Suffolk County police, the marine bureau is still searching for Rera, who had been fishing at the jetty at 4:05 p.m. The United States Coast Guard also responded to the scene.