Memorial service held for teen swept away at sea in Sanibel

Friends and family gathered together to honor the memory of a teen who had died after being swept away at sea in Sanibel.

17-year-old Isaac Breese, from Cape Coral, originally went missing on Tuesday, July 2, after he and a group of friends went swimming at Blind Pass Beach.

Afterward, the Sanibel Police Department received several 911 calls regarding distressed swimmers.

The Sanibel Fire Rescue District rescued two swimmers, but emergency responders were told that a third person entered the water and was missing.

After two days of searching, the mission had changed from a search and rescue to a recovery mission.

Breese’s remains were found on July 6, four days after the search began.

Breese will be remembered as a talented soccer player and honor student at North Fort Myers High School.

From his club soccer team to high school soccer, to friends from elementary school to high school, the memorial was filled with memories, Isaac’s personality and his love for all those who loved him.

Isaac’s sister, his high school soccer coach, and his friends were among the speakers tonight.

“He never gave himself a break. Even when he was injured or just genuinely needed a rest. He needed to be told to take a day off, and he never would,” said his sister. “And this is why I looked up to him even as his older sister. He, he has always inspired me to keep going even when I thought I couldn’t.”

“I recognize one way to move forward as being grateful for the time that we, that I, was blessed to spend with Isaac. He was genuinely a sincere young man,” said his coach.

” I miss him every day. There’s so much I wanted to say to him and there’s still so much I want to say to him now. But as I’m standing here I know he’s looking down on me like he’s already forgiven me for everything,” said his friends. “Much love to you, brother; I miss you every day. Thank you for everything.”

Attendees were asked to wear a soccer jersey or a fluorescent-colored shirt, along with a photo of themselves and Issac if they have it, to help celebrate Breese’s life.

If attendees did not have a photo together with Issac, the family asks for a photo of themselves along with a special note about Issac for the family to read later on.

Out of respect for the family, WINK News was asked not to conduct interviews, but it was clear in the speeches heard on Wednesday night that Isaac Breese left his mark on this community.