12-year-old Samantha Vinturella’s family finally has closure. Around 11 a.m. Tuesday boats and helicopters left Shell Beach and rushed to Lake Borgne. The search for little Sam was finally over.
“The recovery site was about six miles northwest outside of the crash site in Lake Borgne,” said Chief Deputy James Pohlmann with the St. Bernard Sheriff’s office.
A navy boat initially spotted her body floating on the lake. Investigators were able to identify here by the clothes she was wearing the day she went missing.
On Saturday Sam was thrown from a boat following a collision with another vessel. For the next three days people from multiple agencies used boats, planes and dive teams to scan the lake and the entire Mississippi Sound.
Throughout the process, the family never gave up hope.
“The family actually prayed this morning like they have every morning. But this morning they said they knew today would be the day they would find her. And sure enough, it was,” said Pohlmann.
The girl’s family didn’t want to talk on camera while they mourned the loss of their smiling seventh grader. But they had a message for their supporters.
“They are very greatful for all the thoughts and prayers during this tragic time in their lives,” said Pohlmann. “We get very attached to these families so it felt good to be able to bring Sam back for them.”
A mass memorial will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School in Mandeville at 5:15 p.m.
