Tyler Madoff

KONA, Hawaii: After the 5th day of searching for 15 year old Tyler Madoff, who was swept out to sea by large waves at Ka’awaloa near Kealakekua Bay, rescue crews have shut down the operation.

The Hawaii County Fire Department reports negative findings.

Michael and Marianne Madoff spoke to a print reporter and a camera crew at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort on Sunday morning, expressing their thanks for the efforts of those involved with the search and rescue operation. The grieving parents left for home later that day to be with their 2 children, Dylan who is 16, and Mykayla who is 7.

Tyler Madoff, visiting with a tour group from White Plains, New York, was said to have been exploring tidal pools near the Captain Cook monument when a large wave surged upon him and other kids.

Another 15 year old boy who was seriously injured during the incident now looks like will make complete recovery after a series of surgeries, according to sources.

Madoff’s parents spoke to Tyler directly during the press conference – not knowing if their words will ever reach him.

Tyler was an excellent swimmer and was on a rowing team back on the mainland.

Malia Louis, the West Hawaii program director for VASH – the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii Island – has been providing assistance to the Madoff family in the time since the incident. Louis also provided further information about the incident, saying five or six kids were nearly taken by the crashing waves at Ka’awaloa.

There was praise for the guides of Hawaii Pack and Paddle, Ola and Leticia, who were contracted by the Colorado-based tour company to guide the kids that day… however, the Madoffs offered was no praise for the Bold Earth tour company, itself. The Madoffs said they are not planning on taking legal action.

VIDEO by Matt Binder, Visionary Video