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FIRST ON WITN: Missing Boater Found Dead

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Posted: 6:14 AM Jul 19, 2008
Last Updated: 8:56 PM Jul 19, 2008
Reporter: Dave Jordan, Cassandra Bell, Lynnette Taylor

53 comments

A | A | A

Beaufort County Investigators confirm they have found the body of that missing boater along Chocowinity Bay.

Wildlife Commission Officer, Sgt. Ed Alston tells WITN, 19 year old Ronald Manuel Armston of Williamston, jumped over board with two others on the boat. Two of them resurfaced, but Armston did not.

Early this morning, searchers found his body.

This is considered a drowning investigation until toxicology reports come back to determine the cause of death.

Previous:

Rescuers suspended the search overnight. They were combing the waters of the Chocowinity Bay area of Beaufort County for a missing boater.

Authorities tell us an 19 year old man went overboard and never resurfaced.

Crews began their search at Cypress Landing in Chocowinity Bay.

At least three boats patrolled the waters near the Cypress Landing clubhouse before moving towards the Pamlico River.

The call came in around 8:00 p.m. Shortly before 9:00 p.m. crews began moving to the north side of the bay.

We'll continue to monitor this story and update information as we get it.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: The Family of the late Ronald Emanuel Armston on Aug 3, 2008 at 09:38 PM
We the family of Ronald would like to express our deepest gratitude for your presence at his homegoing service as well as all of your prayers, support,flowers and all expressions of Love. Words cannot express the deep comfort measures extended to us during this difficult time, for our son and brother was very dear to us. God Bless every one of you and let us continue to Pray for one another. THANK YOU ALL! Respectfully submitted with much Love, The Armston Family

Posted by: Sondra Reed on Jul 25, 2008 at 04:16 PM
To the family i send out my prayer to u from me and my son Javon T Byers and duaghter Tiyah i feel your pain do to a recent lost in my family as well my son will miss his uncle Ronald very much,god bless you Ronald and may your spirit,soul rest in peace.We sent our love out to the whole family take care and god bless you.

Posted by: michelle boggs on Jul 25, 2008 at 11:58 AM
to my aunt carrie and uncle albert and my sister chantel i'm sorry that this has happened and my preys and my heart goes out to my family and to all who knew my babybrother he was a great person and now he will be miss but he is an angel now and he is in gods hands i love you ronald my your soul rest in peace.and to my sister chantel you stay strong for mommy and daddy they need you more than ever now i love guys and my heart and preys are with you

Posted by: Mr. & Mrs. Milton Armston Sr. on Jul 24, 2008 at 12:37 PM
To Albert, Carrie, and Chantel Armston: You all are in our prayers and we thank GOD for all the happy family times we shared with Roanald. GOD will take care of all of you in your time of sorrow. Love Always, Milton & Dorothy

Posted by: Gennean S Williams-Shepherd on Jul 24, 2008 at 07:27 AM
To My Mom, Dad,Crystal and Chantel We are deeply sadden that we can't be home with you all in your time of need. Momma It Shall Be Well. Our Prayers Are With you Always we love And Miss you dearly. Momma You have done your best But God Knows Best. Rest On Ronald With Marcus,Shelt, And Your Uncle Shouting John We will See You Again Tell Amelia And Emanuel we love them and miss them.

Posted by: Fellow Soldier on Jul 23, 2008 at 12:47 PM
PV2 Ronald Armston was a good Friend, Citizen and Soldier,If you were having a bad day all he had to do was Smile and and you would forget for a moment why you were upset. To the Family, may God hold you tight and time heal your wounded hearts. Step down Private Armston, and we will stand for you.....

Posted by: tasha and destini on Jul 22, 2008 at 07:21 PM
it is so hard 2 find the words 2 say 2 chantel,auntcarrie,andunclealbert 4 youll loss but we just want youll 2 know that we r love youll and we r going 2 miss ronald so much and 2 chantel keep your head up and we will all see ronald again one day love you and god bless you

Posted by: Mrs. J.Rawls on Jul 22, 2008 at 04:49 PM
Mrs. Armston and Chantel, I have worked with both of you at EJH. I am very sorry for your loss. I have been and will continue to pray for your family.

Posted by: ECSU on Jul 22, 2008 at 04:26 PM
God, Bless him

Posted by: Tina on Jul 22, 2008 at 03:34 PM
To Uncle Albert & Aunt Carrie I was so heartbroken to hear of your loss. Just another soldier gone on home to be with the Lord. I know that you loved Ronald but God loved him best. Remember all of the joy that he bought to your life. Earth has no sorrow that heaven can not heal. Praying for you all during this difficult time. Ministers Tony & Tina and Isaiah Hinton

Posted by: THE ROGERS FAMILY on Jul 22, 2008 at 03:15 PM
TO: MR.& MRS. ALBERT ARMSTON AND CHANTEL ~We wanted to let you know that you have our greatest sympathy, and our hearts are truly saddened. Ronald, was more than just a wonderful person; he was always so kind and considerate to us that we always welcomed seeing him at every opportunity. And, we know that his passing will not only leave a void in our lives, but in the hearts of all those who knew. Ronald, will always remain within our hearts, and we have included the Armston family in our daily prayers. May God give you strength. If there is anything that we can do to help you in anyway, please do not hesitate to call us at anytime, even if it is only to talk. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you. With our deepest sympathy, THE ROGERS FAMILY

Posted by: Lena on Jul 22, 2008 at 11:46 AM
To the Armston family-i was sadden to hear of your loss of your son. I don't know him but as i have read he was a fine young man. Your family is in my prayers. Remember the Word of God tells us he will be with us. So know that God will take you throught this difficult time.

Posted by: thad roberson on Jul 22, 2008 at 11:40 AM
to the family of ronald. im sorry for your loss ronald was a very understanding and awesome friend i knew him from church and he let everyone know that he was blessed

Posted by: The Lee Family - Twana, Charles, Ashleigh and J. on Jul 22, 2008 at 11:29 AM
No amount of words can express our sorrow for "our" family at this time. I'm constantly reminded that "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. It gives us joy to know that our Heavenly father never makes a mistake and would never put on us more than we can bear. It seems unbearable right now, but through much faith and much prayer we will get through this. Be encouraged family, Our father is a sovereign God and he will take care of us. To Albert, Carrie and Chantel, I love you and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Posted by: Green Family on Jul 22, 2008 at 11:01 AM
To: Mr.& Mrs. Albert Armston and Chantel We are sorry for the loss of Ronald, but we would like to remind you that our FATHER above loves you so much that he will never leave you alone. Our FATHER will not forsake you in your time of need to face this on your own, so remember that your loss is shared by many friends who care and that you're in our thoughts, hearts, and in our every prayer. We love you just like a uncle, aunt, and cousin. Love always, Tonya~ Wesley~ Kierra~ and Za'Mya.

Posted by: Obama 08 Flip Flopped! on Jul 22, 2008 at 12:56 AM
TO:The Family of the late Ronald Emanuel Armston Location: Williamston on Jul 21, 2008 at 08:01 PM......We don't know each other nor do we have to. I hurt just the same. I'm so sorry. And I wish I could hug you all and tell you he is home. To good for Earth he was! I always tell my friends when I cry its not because the person has gone home, its because they left me here. Be strong, remember all the silly goofy things he did and said. And take all the time you need to heal. Don't rush, don't change a thing until your ready, if you ever get ready. Rely on each other and pray. God Bless your entire family.

Posted by: Hildred Bowens & Family on Jul 21, 2008 at 09:38 PM
We are certainly in prayer for the Armston family during this difficult time of losing their young son. God's presence will be near you daily so take him at his word that he will never leave you. His promise is to take care of us during any situation. Thinking of you.

Posted by: Korrie on Jul 21, 2008 at 08:17 PM
I graduated with Ronald and one thing about him he was always smiling. My sympathies go out to the family. He will be missed.

Posted by: The Family of the late Ronald Emanuel Armston on Jul 21, 2008 at 08:01 PM
Words can't express the gratitude that our family has to all of you that have responded to the passing of our son and brother. It's our prayer that the Lord and his heavenly host add a special blessing to all your lives. We thank you a million times over. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. With Much Love The Armston Family

Posted by: Dee on Jul 21, 2008 at 05:47 PM
I can say that i only knew Ronald or met him about a year or two ago. Not even knowing when he first came to church that he and chantel were my cousins. When i first heard the news a picture of them sitting together in church popped into my head. Chantel i know you and ronald were close so my prayers will go out deeply to you. To aunt carrie and uncle albert may God continue to bless and take care of your family. Ronald is now in a place where he can watch over us all and steer us correctly, he is now truly at peace. May God Bless!

Posted by: Andre Davis on Jul 21, 2008 at 05:04 PM
My sympathies go out to the family of Ronald Armston. I only knew him from Basic Training but he became a very good friend to me and I will miss him dearly.

Posted by: Khalil Bush on Jul 21, 2008 at 04:48 PM
Bless the Armston family i wish the best of luck to them and Ronald was a great guy. BLESS THEM ALL!

Posted by: Candy on Jul 21, 2008 at 02:17 PM
NO AMOUNT OF WORDS CAN SAY WHAT A BLESSING THE ARMSTON FAMILY HAS BROUGHT TO MY FAMILY. My kids only know this as Grandma and Grandpa! Adore Chantal and my daughter loved Ronald so much. He brought a feeling of love and happiness all around him every where he would go. I hope that everyone will take those memories and think of them everytime his name comes up. May God bless every member of this family as they go through this, but always remember he is watching over each and everyone of us and know's all of the love that we send. Chantal, Mr./Mrs. Armston we love you and are hear if you need us! Ronald I will miss you but I am so happy that you are with God, I will never forget your smile!!!!! Keep smiling and We will see you again one day! With love and STAY STRONG

Posted by: Carlton & Jackie Bell Family on Jul 21, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Our hearts are heavy after hearing the news of our young cousin. You have done a wonderful job in raising this respectful and kind young man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as always. We love you Uncle Albert, Aunt Carrie and Chantel. From Carlton, Jackie, Carlette, LaTia and CJ...

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 21, 2008 at 12:17 PM
i went to school with ronald, however i was never effected by him, but it seems he was a great guy...do we know with whom he was boating with...what do they have to say...what really happened!!

Posted by: Karrie on Jul 21, 2008 at 12:04 PM
WITN: When you get more info can we please have it Ronald was a dear friend and we want to know everything once the info is made avaliable. Thanks!

Posted by: WHS Class of '07 on Jul 21, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Ronald you will be missed so much, you were a great friend to everyone that knew you. Please Lord we ask that you bless his family for his may be gone but never forgotten. He was a truely wonderful person, that while with us on this earth touch the lives of so many people. Bless you Ronald!! WE LOVE YOU: THE CLASS OF 2007

Posted by: barbara on Jul 21, 2008 at 07:38 AM
I don't know the family, but Ronald sure was loved by everyone. Mom and Dad you did a wonderful job of raising him. You had 19 wonderful years with him, and he left with a good name and a lot of love. God bless you all.

Posted by: Jasmine Watts on Jul 21, 2008 at 12:01 AM
I cant believe that this wonderful friend culd be missing out of my life, to no longer here his voice to never see him again- i remember the day we meet and every time i think about it, it brings tears to my eyes- he will alwayz be remembered as someone that culd make me laugh and smile. RORO U WILL ALWAYZ BE IN MY HEART UNTIL THE END OF TIME NOTHING CAN EVER CHANGE DAT(R.I.P). To the Armston family you all are in my prayers.

Posted by: Quanshe' on Jul 20, 2008 at 11:40 PM
I am so sorry for the lost of him because we were so close.I wish you would have never jumped in that water.I will always remember you and love you.I never thought you would be gone away from me, I never thought I wouldn't be able to hear your voice or hug you again. And it's kinda strange how we used to always talk about the future together but now you wont have a future and I'll have to go on w-o you. It's going to be hard but im going to have to survive. But it's like im still in shock about you being gone, because im still looking for your phone call or text saying that you wanted to talk about your problems or because you couldn't sleep. But now you'll be sleeping peacefully and stress free.... LOVE ALWAYS, QUANSHE'

Posted by: Boney & Doris Hoggard & Family on Jul 20, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Our family and the Armston's had become close friends for years and our hearts are sadden during this grieving time. Some people live a long life and others live a short life which his in God's will. Ronald was reared in a God fearing household of parents that loved him and Chantel dearly. He presented himself in a very dignify, respectful and humble manner within those years that God provided. So we say thank you to God for Ronald's life and the time he gave us with him.Our deepest sympathy is extended and may God's peace and love surrounds Elder Armston, Mother Armston, Chantel and other family members during this difficult time. Memories of Ronald will never be forgotten.

Posted by: > on Jul 20, 2008 at 09:50 PM
His myspace page is private, the last login was 3 days before this young life ended. I wonder if he knew it was his time? prayers for this family. http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=194049458

Posted by: AMY FAISON on Jul 20, 2008 at 07:13 PM
IM VERY SORRY 2 HEAR THIS AND I CUDNT BELIVE IT MAN WE LOST A VERY GOOD LOYAL FRIEND BUT THE LORD SAW IT WAS HIS TIME 2 GO!! R.I.P RON U WILL BE MISSED TRULEY!!!!1

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 20, 2008 at 04:01 PM
My heart and my prayers go out to Mr Albert and Mrs Carrie along with Chantel.

Posted by: Burler Family on Jul 20, 2008 at 11:38 AM
When I heard about this, I couldnt believe it was true. But now that i see this video, we just want to send all our love to the armston family. Ronald you will never be forgotten and will be missed so much.

Posted by: Edwin on Jul 20, 2008 at 10:23 AM
On behalf of the Union Baptist Church family we would like to give out condolences to the Armston family. It is truely a huge loss. God Bless.

Posted by: Williams-Armstrong Family on Jul 20, 2008 at 09:05 AM
With heart-broken,tear-filled eyes We will miss you Our dear cousin Ronald! We will cherish your bright smile,loving heart and all of your great talents and intelligence. We Love You Aunt Carrie,Uncle Albert, and cousin Chantel. God Bless You!

Posted by: Terry Powell on Jul 20, 2008 at 05:42 AM
R.I.P. Ronald. even though it seem like just yesterday i just talk to u. But you in a better place knw lokin down on us main sre we doin rite and give a shout out to da family. Stay strong.

Posted by: Sha Knight on Jul 20, 2008 at 12:29 AM
I'm so sorry 2 hear about Ronald. He was a very sweet & kind hearted boy. He will be missed so much. Mr. & Mrs. Armston & Chantel stay strong & hold on. He is in good hands now. *R.I.P. RONALD ARMSTON*

Posted by: Ginni on Jul 19, 2008 at 11:58 PM
Ronald was a blessing to be around. He brought joy, laughs, and love to my life. If I was upset, all i needed was a talk with him..His family is very close to my heart, his mother is like my second mother, his sister is like my sister, and his father like a second father..I am going to miss him very much, and I will never forget him. God Bless all these hurting hearts.

Posted by: AnonymousB on Jul 19, 2008 at 10:29 PM
To the Armston family. I do not know you but I am truly sorry for your loss. God Bless you.

Posted by: MArkus on Jul 19, 2008 at 09:58 PM
R.I.P Ronald we will truely miss you my very good friend...and I send my prayers out to the family

Posted by: Markus on Jul 19, 2008 at 09:55 PM
I just want to send my heart to this young man and his family....he was a true firend to me!!!! And I could never believe ain a million years that this will ever happen to a person like ronald!!!! R.ii.P Ron we will miss you!!!!

Posted by: amanda on Jul 19, 2008 at 08:29 PM
i loved ronald like a big brother. i will miss him very much. my best wishes to the family.

Posted by: Bell Family on Jul 19, 2008 at 07:49 PM
Our family was touched by this young man, he was a band member with my daughter and a family friend. We pray God heal the hearts of the Armston family. We love you all.

Posted by: Maestra on Jul 19, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Ronald, I cannot believe that this has happened to you, and I am in shock. You had such a beautiful spirit and such a promising future. I will always remember you, and I am proud to have taught you in both Spanish I and II.

Posted by: bruce m hutchinson on Jul 19, 2008 at 07:42 PM
ive known him for a long time i took a karate class with him i hate to hear that we the students of WHS have loss one of our own to this we hope that we can all recover from this tragic event to the family i wish them well and to my fellow students we WILL NOT FORGET

Posted by: jeff on Jul 19, 2008 at 03:59 PM
I would like to say thank you for the quick response and the dedication from the rescuers. May God bless all of them for what they do. It takes a blessing from God to provide such incredible people to do what they did to try to rescue this young man and then to help the family find closer. I was there watching and I think they handled the situation with great respect for themselves, the family and the entire situation. Again thanks to all of them, you are greatly appreciated.

Posted by: Gurganus family on Jul 19, 2008 at 02:48 PM
Our prayers go out to the Armston family. Our daughter has been in band with this young man's sister and has had his mother as a substitute teacher. God Bless them at this tragic time.

Posted by: Pamela on Jul 19, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Ronald was a wonderful young man with a beautiful smile and a delightful sense of humor. Ronald's family is a family deeply entrenched into the family of God. Dear Lord, Please wrap your arms around this precious family. Let them know Your peace and Your love. Please help the people around them find the right words and the right expressions of love for them. Dear Lord, lift them up.

Posted by: natalee on Jul 19, 2008 at 09:03 AM
Thanks for the quick coverage on this incident. You guys are punctual and accountable. God bless!

Posted by: Eric on Jul 19, 2008 at 12:02 AM
I was wondering what all the helicopter action was tonight.... thanks for the news

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