Body Of Missing MI Teen Eliza Trainer Found After Missing Since Swept Away In January On Lake Michigan

FLUSHING, MI. (THECOUNT) — Eliza Trainer, of Park Township, has been identified as the body found Thursday after she and an 18-year-old man were swept into Lake Michigan off the Holland State Park pier by a large wave on Jan. 1, 2020.

The body of Trainer, 16, was found pinned under several large boulders along the north pier at Holland State Park at 8:49 p.m. March 19, according to officials on Friday.

A GoFundMe was set up as crews continued their recovery effort for missing Flushing High School student, who was swept off the pier early in January into Lake Michigan.

Trainer was visiting the pier with a male friend walking along to shore when they were both pulled into the water by high waves.

A family member of the friend said they held onto each other for several minutes while trying to make their way back to the pier, reports FOX17.

Via GoFundMe:

On January 1st, 2020, a night when most would be celebrating and ushering in the new year, tragedy struck for Eliza Trainer.

While spending time in West Michigan with her friend, they decided to go for an evening stroll along the coast of Lake Michigan in Holland State Park. It was on this walk that Eliza and her friend were both swept from a pier by the large waves. They clung to each other for about 5 minutes, trying to make their way to the rocks. Her friend was able to get on a rock while still holding her hand, but as he was trying to pull her up another wave came and took her from his grip. He tried to find her but she was quickly swept away. He fought again to get out of the angry waves and was able to run for help. Rescue teams have since been searching for her, but she has unfortunately been presumed drowned.

Eliza was a 16-year-old junior at Flushing High School. She loved to play soccer and was a member of the Winter Guard. Her goal was to become a diesel mechanic after graduation. She spent a lot of time outdoors, enjoying hikes in the woods among other things. She also liked to hunt but was only able to do so once.

To all her friends and family, she was a very kind and loving person. She would do anything to help those in need. 5 years ago, she lost her mother to cancer, and has since been raised by her father. Along with her father’s influence, the Goodrich family became a second family to Eliza. They helped her to grow from the shy and introverted girl she was, after losing her mother, to an outgoing person who enthusiastically pursued life.

Today, this family is in dire need of financial assistance to give Eliza Jane the proper memorial that she so lovingly deserves. Any help would be greatly appreciated to comfort those mourning the tragic and unexpected loss of Eliza.

DEVELOPING::

Geo quick facts: Flushing is a city in Genesee County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 8,389 at the 2010 census. Flushing is considered a suburb of Flint. It is situated within the survey area of Flushing Charter Township, but is administratively autonomous. Flushing originated as a mill town in the mid-1830s – Wikipedia.