VSP: Body recovered from Nelson County river identified, one still missing

This comes after a vehicle was found submerged in the Rockfish River on Dec. 27, police said

Search continues for one missing person in a Nelson County river

NELSON COUNTY, Va.UPDATE - Feb. 1

The body recovered on Jan. 27 has been identified as Myson Sylvestre, 18, of Arrington, according to Virginia State Police.

Recommended Videos



Amherst County Public Schools has released a statement about Sylvestre’s death.

It is with great sadness that Amherst County Public Schools was officially notified today of the tragic death of one of our students: Myson Sylvestre, 12th grade at Amherst County High School. Myson was a passenger in the vehicle that was swept away on the Rockfish River this past December.

We are all devastated over the loss of Myson, but we are relieved that we can now bring closure to his family, friends and our school community. This tragedy has affected us all and we would like our staff and students to know that our school counselors are available at Amherst County High School to provide them support as they cope with their grief and the loss of Myson. Amherst County Public Schools will continue to support our students, staff and Myson’s friends and family as they return to their normal routines.

Amherst County Public Schools would like to express their sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Myson. We ask for your continued prayers and support for Myson’s friends and family, as well as our school community. Details regarding funeral arrangements have not been made available at this time.


ORIGINAL STORY

Another body has been recovered from the Rockfish River in Nelson County after a vehicle was found submerged in late December, according to Virginia State Police.

On Friday, Jan. 27, Virginia State Police Search & Recovery Team divers went back to the river to continue search efforts for two people believed to still be missing after a vehicle was swept away by the strong current, police said.

[READ MORE: VSP: 4 found dead, 1 still missing after vehicle found in Nelson County river]

We’re told the divers recovered one of the two missing bodies around 8:15 a.m.

The body was transported to the Office of the Medical Examiner for examination, autopsy, and positive identification, according to state police.

The divers continued to search for the rest of the day, but did not find anything more, authorities said. The search will resume later this week to find the last person.

Read more on the incident here.


About the Authors:

Alli Graham came aboard the digital team as an evening digital content producer in June 2022.

Lauren Helkowski joined WSLS 10’s digital team in August 2022, but has held a passion for storytelling long before.