Heroic football player, 15, swept into Mississippi River after he tried to save girlfriend, 14, & her 8-year-old sister

THE 15-year-old boy who was swept into the Mississippi River has been identified as Kevin Poole by family members.

According to Kevin’s family, he was a student at LB Landry High School in New Orleans and was a member of the football team.

Authorities believe the teen was trying to save his girlfriend, Brandy Wilson, 14, and her little sister Ally Wilson, 8, after Brandy had fallen into the water Saturday.

The children were at a park near the Crescent City Connection Bridge when Brandy slipped near the water’s edge. After Kevin and Ally went in to rescue her, all three children were pulled under by the current.

The girls’ father, Allen Barry, said that it was the first time the girls were allowed to be out of the house on their own since Kevin would be with them.

“I need my kids. They know I need them,” said Octavia Wilson, the girls’ mother. She was in the hospital at the time and suffers from a heart condition.

“My daughter said she was trying to give me a break. I don’t need a break, I need my children.”

The Wilson sisters’ five-year-old brother was also at the park and ran to get help after the kids went into the water, said Wilson

After 93 miles of the river had been searched, the US Coast Guard suspended the search. 

“The decision to suspend any search and rescue case is never easy but considering the extensive search efforts of our Coast Guard men and women, in conjunction with other response agencies, I've made the difficult decision to suspend our active search for the three children,” said Captain Kelly Denning

“Our prayers are with the families during this difficult time.”

Still, some local law enforcement agencies such as the New Orleans Police Department and private dive businesses are continuing to look for the children.

The search for the children began at dusk and the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority had suspended the service of its Algiers-Canal Street ferry to clear the search area.

“Just find the babies. That’s all we want - find the babies,” said Shakima Hawkins, a member of the Wilson family.

As the search continues, the family keeps praying and is seeking answers to what exactly happened.

“I believe we all want to see what we all want to see – peace and closure,” said Keyaka Davis, an aunt of the girls. “These babies united in love. They went to help each other.”