On Thursday, December 12, 2013 13 at approximately 1:30 pm, Santa Cruz County Sheriff Coroner’s Office recovered an unknown deceased person in the ocean near the pier at the cement ship in Seacliff State Beach, Aptos. On Monday, the Coroner’s Office identified the body as missing Aptos High School senior Nate Phillips. At this time investigators do not believe there is any foul play involved in Phillips’ death.
The staff at Aptos High released the following notice:
“Mariners and Mariner families,
It has been confirmed that Senior Nathan Phillips has passed away. Our entire community will mourn the loss of this fine young man and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.
Our primary concern, at this time, is for the immediate well-being of those Mariners most affected by Nathan’s passing. We have been working with County Mental Health to provide grief-counseling services. We ask that you ensure all of the Aptos community understands that help is available through the AHS counseling office. Students may ask for a pass to the office or simply report directly to the office on their own accord. School Psychologist Ralph Howe and other support staff are available for students and adults.
We are in-touch with Nathan’s family and will work to honor the family’s wishes as we explore ways to remember Nathan and to mourn his passing.
It is important that we, as a community, as a family of Mariners, support each other now and in the future. Reach out to those in need or distress. Lend them a helping hand or help them find someone who can help.
Rest in Peace Nathan Phillips.”
The AHS Administration, Faculty and Staff