OneNewsNow and the Associated Press reported the accidental deaths of three high school students taking a break from their missions work in Costa Rica. Coast guard officials recovered the bodies of Kai Lamar, Caity Jones and James Smith in the ocean off Bejuco beach after a powerful rip current swept the teens out to sea. The students were part of a missions trip of eight upperclass students from Patriot Preparatory Academy in Columbus, Ohio. The families of the students agreed that each was deeply committed to God’s work in the world, more so than would be indicated by their age. Shari Lamar said she “supported wholeheartedly” her son Kai’s decision to travel to Costa Rica, saying “it was an opportunity to show his love for the Lord and to do what he thought he was called to do.” She also said she found comfort in her loss that he had fulfilled a calling of his strong Christian faith: “He and his friends had the time of their life doing the work…it’s sad, but we just trust God.” Nick Smith said of his brother James, “That kid was more driven to do things for God than I’ve seen anybody at his age ever…He was doing things and so committed that honestly, in 16 years, he finished everything he needed to do in this life.” The mission was organized by Impulse International Mission Trips and not hosted by the students’ school. Red Cross officials said more than 52 people have drowned off the Costa Rican coast this year because of the strong undertow present.
