Father’s body recovered from Neuse

Two days after the body of his 5-year-old son, Braylin, was recovered from the Neuse River, the body of 38-year-old Sterling Holman was recovered by search crews.

Wayne County 911 received a call Wednesday at 8:02 p.m. requesting a water rescue at the Goldsboro Boating Access Area at 2091 US-117.

Arr-Mac Water Response, Goldsboro Water Rescue, Wayne County Sheriff’s Dive Team, Wayne County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit, and Wayne County EMS responded to the scene.

The two individuals were on the dock fishing when the child fell into the river. The father jumped in the water and attempted to save the child but both went missing. A witness on the bank of the river called 911 and a boater in the river attempted to help save the two but was unsuccessful.

In a news release issued by Wayne County officials this afternoon, Sheriff Larry Pierce thanked those who worked to bring the operation to its conclusion.

“I would like to thank the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, Arr-Mac Water Rescue, Goldsboro Fire Department, Grantham Volunteer Fire Department, Rosewood Volunteer Fire Department, Seven Springs Volunteer Fire Department, Craven County Emergency Services, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, NC Wildlife, NC Marine Patrol, Wayne County Public School System, Foothills Search and Rescue, Western Carolina University, REDS team, NC Sonar Search Alliance and numerous other outside consul6ng agencies for their response to this search,” Pierce said. “In addition to these agencies, I want to thank my deputies for the long hours they have put in as part of this opera6on. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they deal with this difficult situation. I would also like to thank the many citizens and businesses who brought food and donations to our responders during this extended response.”