Scarsdale 10583

The community is still reeling from the tragic loss of SHS student Tyler Madoff. Madoff, age 15, would have been a junior this upcoming school year. Madoff was on a tour on the big island of Hawaii, when a rogue wave hit his tour group, carrying him and another boy, Matthew Alzate, out to sea. This occurred while the group was resting at a tidal pool near the shoreline. Alzate was rescued, and is recovering at a hospital in Honolulu, but Tyler was not found, and is now presumed dead.

Andrew Mork, the leader of the tour, which was run by Bold Earth Teen Adventures, ignored warnings that it would be dangerous to travel to the tidal pool due to rough ocean conditions. Madoff’s parents also claim that Mork lied to them. In addition, the group running the kayaking tour did not have a permit to travel to the tidal pool, and Bold Earth Teen Adventures tour guides were apparently uncooperative in helping search for Madoff. In a press conference,  Madoff’s parents scolded Bold Earth Teen Adventures, and are now considering pressing charges against the company.

Friends and classmates of Madoff have covered his Facebook page with stories and memories of him.   They have also set up a ceremony for him at Scarsdale High School this Saturday, July 14 (details to follow).

Madoff, who was on high-school swimming, football, and crew teams, was known for being courageous, genuine and kind-hearted. “He was a great friend who was loved by everybody in school and on the football field. He was always good to be around, and will always be remembered in our community,” stated Spencer Planit, a friend and teammate of Madoff.

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written by sympathetic parent, July 17, 2012

Nothing can replace the life of this wonderful 15 year old boy; who was a talented athlete, caring friend and much loved son and brother. Will it help to place blame on his tour guide who will suffer for the rest of his life from guilt and regret? What proof is there that the "tourguide lied to them?" and that they were uncooperative in helping to search for Madoff?? I find those claims to be very disturbing.

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written by Captain Cooke, July 17, 2012

OH HOW QUICKLY this turned to finger pointing and photo ops predating a money grab. Was the area inherently dangerous? No, it's listed in all the guide books. Should someone have seen that the area was dangerous that day? If so, so should have young Madoff. You're on HAWAII; big waves happen. There has to be some assumed risk at some point.

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