HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — UPDATE: The search for 16-year-old Eliza Jane Trainer has resumed, according to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office.
Previously, Trainer, who is from the Flint area, had visited Holland State Park on January 1st with a friend. While walking on the pier, they were both swept off by a wave.
Her friend, 18-year-old Kade Goodrich, had managed to swim to safety, while Trainer’s body disappeared.
Close to two weeks after the event, Trainer is now assumed to have drowned in Lake Michigan. Poor weather conditions had forced police to suspend the search until Monday, January 13th, when diving teams began searching again.
Police say the weather has been cooperative into allowing the search to continue.
This is an ongoing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
A vigil has already been held for Trainer by family members and friends.
— Original Story —
The search at Holland State Park for the body of a Flint-area girl has been suspended, according to Ottawa County Sheriff’s authorities.
16-year-old Eliza Jane Trainer from Flushing and 18-year-old Kade Goodrich were swept off the pier by a wave, according to police, as they visited the pier late Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2019.
Goodrich was able to rescue himself and called 911 for help. He told police the two had been on the pier when a large wave knocked them both into the water.
Goodrich and Trainer drove for two hours from the Flint area because neither had ever seen Lake Michigan, and they wanted to do so.
Responders to the scene included Park Township firefighters, Holland City firefighters, AMR Ambulance and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Police on the scene reminded people that Lake Michigan can be very dangerous. The Grand Haven Coast Guard Station’s Kevin Pryer says hazardous conditions on the lakeshore are making any attempts to located her difficult.
When conditions improve, crews will start searching from the water.
