To the Editor,

The family of Michael Lane Hopkins would like to thank all the first responders that helped us in the search and the finding of our loved one, Michael Hopkins. The U.S. Coast Guard, N.C. Department of Marine Fisheries, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Ernie Coleman and Investigator Jason Leary; Hyde County Sheriff’s Office; Josh Hopkins from Sidney Dive Team; Eddie Smith with Grady White Boats, who flew his helicopter over after Coast Guard had stopped searching; Crab Ranch owners Curtis and Debbie Wilkins; Belhaven Pentecostal Holiness Church; and Life Gate Church, for the memorial donations, food, flowers, phone calls, hugs and kind words, visits; the commercial fishermen who pulled their nets, who used their own gas and their time and found our Michael’s body, from bringing his dog, Wayne Wayne, home, taking up his crab pots to helping with digging his grave. There are no words that can express what all these people did to help our family. This was a tragic death, and our family was totally devastated and overwhelmed with grief. Because of their comforting advice and help, we appreciate all of you. All your kindness will never be forgotten.

The family of Michael Lane Hopkins

Pamlico Beach