HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – Surrounded by family and friends, 19-year-old Delfonte Harshaw was alone with his thoughts as he stood at the end of the north pier staring into the waters of Lake Michigan at Holland State Park Thursday evening, September 1.
As the choppy waves crashed onto the pier, soaking his feet, he thought of his brother Vincent Green whose body was recovered just hours earlier. At around 4:15 p.m. Thursday afternoon, divers from the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Marine Unit along with Allegan County’s Dive Team and the Michigan State Police Dive Team recovered the body of Green, 14, of Holland.
Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office Captain John Wolffis says the body which was identified by family, was discovered in 10 feet of water near the north pier.
Green along with Christopher Mimis, 17, of Holland were with Harshaw and another 18-year-old swimming near the north pier at Holland State Park Wednesday, August 31. Around 8 p.m. the boys were swimming in the swim area and started to struggle in the water. The other two teenagers were able to make it back safely to the rocks near the pier while Green and Mimis were taken out by the current. Harshaw told WHTC News that he tried to save his brother, but couldn’t.
Mimis recently moved to the Holland area from Chicago and is a new father working two jobs. A Go Fund Me page has been set up by the family. Green was going to attend West Ottawa High School this year. Several of Green’s family members drove to Holland from Chicago and sat watching the waves meet the shore as they awaited for news from authorities.
Hundreds of people have headed to the beach throughout the day to offer their support to law enforcement and the families. Thursday evening classmates, friends and family of Green gathered at the north pier in support.
The recovery effort was called off at 6 p.m. as the waves grew. Sgt. Cal Kuening says they will be back to the park at 7 a.m. Friday, September 2, to continue recovery efforts. Allegan County’s Dive Team and the Michigan State Dive Team will be there to assist.
Authorities have not named the 18-year-old who along with Harshaw, made it out of the water safely.
