Family and Friends React to Loss of Tyler Madoff

The community is still reeling from the tragic loss of SHS student Tyler Madoff. Madoff, age 15, would have been a junior this upcoming school year. Madoff was on a tour on the big island of Hawaii, when a rogue wave hit his tour group, carrying him and another boy, Matthew Alzate, out to sea. This occurred while the group was resting at a tidal pool near the shoreline. Alzate was rescued, and is recovering at a hospital in Honolulu, but Tyler was not found, and is now presumed dead.

Andrew Mork, the leader of the tour, which was run by Bold Earth Teen Adventures, ignored warnings that it would be dangerous to travel to the tidal pool due to rough ocean conditions. Madoff’s parents also claim that Mork lied to them. In addition, the group running the kayaking tour did not have a permit to travel to the tidal pool, and Bold Earth Teen Adventures tour guides were apparently uncooperative in helping search for Madoff. In a press conference,  Madoff’s parents scolded Bold Earth Teen Adventures, and are now considering pressing charges against the company.

Friends and classmates of Madoff have covered his Facebook page with stories and memories of him.   They have also set up a ceremony for him at Scarsdale High School this Saturday, July 14 (details to follow).

Madoff, who was on high-school swimming, football, and crew teams, was known for being courageous, genuine and kind-hearted. “He was a great friend who was loved by everybody in school and on the football field. He was always good to be around, and will always be remembered in our community,” stated Spencer Planit, a friend and teammate of Madoff.