Search For Wyoming Football Player Turns Up Empty In California

California officials called off their search for the body of 18-year-old Naphtali Moimoi after the star football player likely drowned in the Pacific Ocean, according to NBC Sports. The defensive end from Hayward, Calif. had recently accepted a scholarship to play football for the University of Wyoming.

Moimoi and a group of friends went boogie boarding Thursday near Half Moon Bay, Calif. After a wave knocked him off the board, a strong undercurrent carried him into the ocean. The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office dispatched a search party with two helicopters and two boats but eventually called off the search due to poor visibility and heavy surf conditions.

Friday night, classmates at Hayward High School held a candlelight vigil for their fallen friend.

"He was just a great young man. He was loyal. He persevered in spite of all the circumstances thrown in front of him. He was a great football player, a great teammate, a great friend,” Hayward High football coach Justin Redemer told KPIX.

The 6'4", 265-lb. defensive lineman recorded 72 tackles and 14 sacks in high school and was rated as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com.