Mississippi ice cream shop closed after ‘tragic loss’ of employee in July 4 drowning

Published 3:18 pm Tuesday, July 5, 2022

The staff of a Mississippi ice cream shop said the shop was closed after one of their team members was identified as the young man who drowned on July 4 in an accident on a lake.

“We will be closed today to grieve the loss of our friend and team member Jelani (Jay) Porter,” the staff wrote on social media. “Please lift up our staff, his friends, and especially his family in prayer during this time of mourning so that the Lord can strengthen their spirit during this tragic loss.”

Porter, 18, was identified Tuesday after his body was recovered from Lake Caroline in Madison County.

Subscribe to our free email newsletter

Get the latest news sent to your inbox

He reported jumped off a boat, but never resurfaced, local media reported.

Search and rescue divers responded Monday but did not recover the teen’s body until Tuesday morning.