A 13-year-old, Antonio Coleman, sadly lost his life at Jaycee Quarry Park in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, while swimming in the quarry when he went underwater and didn’t come back up on July 16, 2025.
Antonio Coleman is survived by his parents, Julia Russell and Eric Coleman, and extended family.
His body was found around noon on Wednesday after a long search by rescue teams.
The search for Antonio began Tuesday afternoon but was paused overnight for safety reasons. It resumed early Wednesday morning until his body was recovered.
The Sheboygan Police Department said the incident appears to be a tragic accident. Antonio was reportedly with a group of people he knew at the time. Witnesses and others at the scene told police there was no foul play involved.
However, his mother and cousin Tari can’t seem to believe it was a tragic accident, but they say something is off about the whole situation.
Antonio’s mother, Julia Russell, shared that someone took her son to the quarry without her permission. She also said Antonio did not know how to swim.
Julia is determined to find out exactly what happened, saying, “I need to know if it was really an accident.”
Likewise, Antonio Coleman’s cousin, Tari Williams, spoke her heart out, saying that someone should have pushed him into the water. She wrote:
Did something to my little cousin idgaff!!!! HE DIDNT WILLINGLY GET IN NO WATER HE WAS PUSHED IN THAT MANMADE ASS WATER !!!
Tari Williams
THEY PUSHED MY COUSIN IN THAT WATER & left HIM DIDNT CONTACT HIS MOM OR THE POLICE?!! Those are NOT MY FAMILY MEMBERS SAYING SHIT ON THE NEWS HIS PARENTS & the rest of our FAMILY STILL ARE TRYING TO UNDERSTAND & process this.
Meanwhile, false information about the incident has spread on social media, prompting some individuals to make online threats.
The police have already arrested one person in connection with this incident. They are asking everyone to be careful about what they share online and to check facts before posting.
They also reminded everyone that swimming at the quarry is only allowed in certain areas during specific hours.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign has been created to help Coleman’s family with his funeral expenses, and it’s already nearing its $18,000 goal.
His father, Eric, wrote:
I’m the father of Antonio Coleman and I need help paying for my son’s funeral. Anything can help. We are hurt, and me and the family gladly appreciate any help. Thank you for the prayers, and again, any help will mean a lot to us. Thanks and God bless.
Eric Coleman
So far, details surrounding Antonio Coleman’s funeral services remain unknown. We pray for the strength of his parents, friends, and extended family.
Rest Easy, Antonio Coleman!
