By WECT Staff | May 11, 2021 at 11:36 AM EDT – Updated May 11 at 8:23 PM
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WECT) – A Brunswick County teen and his older brother both drowned Sunday in the Intracoastal Waterway, a Horry County coroner announced Tuesday.
Johnnie Magbie, 19, of Supply, and Ahykeem Jones, 28, were identified as the victims. Magbie was a student and football standout at West Brunswick High School.
According to the coroner, Jones fell into the water from a boat in which he was riding with several members of his family near Pelican Bay landing just before 7:30 p.m. Sunday.
Magbie jumped into the water to save his brother but neither resurfaced.
Divers found the bodies of the two men Monday.
Jones was visiting the area from Henderson, N.C., according to officials.
Brett Hickman, head football coach at West Brunswick High School, tweeted about Magbie on Monday.
I have no words to express the brokenness that exist right now to our staff, our players, and Johnnie’s family. All I’ll say is this is the worst day of my life. Praying for a miracle. #11. pic.twitter.com/3TIA0nyBaD
— Brett Hickman (@coachhick) May 10, 2021
A spokesperson for Brunswick County Schools released the following statement regarding Magbie’s death:
“An unbelievable tragedy has heartbroken our school community as we mourn the loss of WBHS student Johnnie Magbie and his brother. Please join us in continued thoughts, prayers and support for the Magbie family as they cope with this devastating loss of life.
The BCS Crisis Response Team is available on site to any student or staff member in need of assistance during this time.”
West Brunswick High School Principal Jonathan Pascal says he knew Magbie well, and says he will be remembered for his sense of humor, his infectious smile and his strong character.
Pascal describes the loss as “devastating.”
“I hope that our Trojans know that we’re all in this together and we talked about moving as ‘One West’ all year, and it’s not just a saying or a catchphrase, that’s what we do — we come together as one. We hope that our faculty do the same; there’s a whole lot of students and faculty and families that truly are hurting right now but I hope that they know that they’re not alone and we are here together,” said Pascal. “The thought of him jumping in to save his brother without even thinking about it is exactly who Johnnie was — he never would think twice about jumping in to help any of his fellow athletes or friends and it clearly is a testament to the legacy he leaves.”
Copyright 2021 WECT. All rights reserved.