Matthew Robert Bauer, 22, of High Point, was swimming with two friends near the Lockwood Folly Inlet on the east end of Holden Beach when strong currents pulled him under.
Emergency teams from Holden Beach and nearby Oak Island began searching the area Monday night on 16 June.
Matthew Bauer (Matt Bauer) attended Shining Light Academy in Greensboro, North Carolina, and played on the varsity basketball team, wearing jersey number 1.
Known for his versatility on the court, Matthew played as a forward, center, and wing.
Matthew Bauer Remembered By Loved Ones And Former Coach After Tragic Incident At Holden Beach
Jennifer Mullins wrote to his mother, Michelle, acknowledging the heartbreaking loss.
She asked the community to keep Matthew’s parents, Bob and Michelle, and his siblings in their thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
She also mentioned that the family hopes to celebrate and honor Matt Bauer’s life and that a GoFundMe would be set up to help with upcoming expenses.
The family plans to share updates as they receive them.
It is with great sadness we share at Holden beach Matt Bauer was swimming with friends and was pulled under. Volunteers and friends spent hours searching for him without success- please keep his family in prayer as we walk through this tragedy. The family would like to share Matt’s beautiful life! We will keep updates as we receive them. There will be a go fund me set up today for the upcoming expenses. Please keep Bob, Michelle and all of his siblings in your hearts and prayers.
Jennifer Mullins
Similarly, Danny Robinson, who once coached Matthew Bauer at Shining Light Academy, shared his deep sorrow upon hearing the tragic news.
He expressed that, as a former coach, the loss feels personal, akin to losing a family member.
Coach Robinson extended his heartfelt prayers to Matthew’s family during this time of grief and added that many teachers and coaches understand how deeply it hurts to lose a former student or player.
As a former basketball coach of Matthew at Shining Light Academy, it is heartbreaking to hear the news. My prayers are with his family during this time of bereavement. All my teacher friends and coaches understand that losing a former student/player is like losing a member of the family.
Danny Robinson
Locals have pointed out that the water around the inlet is known to be dangerous, even if it doesn’t look that way.
When the tide is low, sandbars can stretch out, making the water look calm and easy to cross.
But in reality, even strong swimmers can struggle due to powerful currents.
Inlets, like the one near Holden Beach, can create especially strong water movement, similar to rip currents but often more intense.
For Matthew Bauer’s family, being on the beach where he disappeared has been heartbreaking.
His sister, Sarah Moxley, said they’re not giving up. The family plans to keep searching until they bring Matthew home.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- During his high school career, he earned the “Player of the Game” award four times.
- In his senior year, the team held a 9-9 overall record, and in his junior year, despite a tough season.
- He was the youngest of eight siblings.
