Aptos community shows support for Nathan Phillips

Flowers and notes are left at the pier at Seacliff State Beach where 17-year-old Nathan Phillips’ body was found. The search for Phillips brought an outpouing of support from the small Santa Cruz County town.

Phillips went missing two weeks ago after telling his family he was going on an adventure.

“Every night laying in bed I was just, hearing the waves and feeling really sad for him and I just needed to come out here last night and just try to give myself some peace. And put something out there for him,” said Dee Nugent.

Nugent didn’t know Nathan personally but said when he went missing everyone in the Aptos community felt somehow affected. Nugent made a Christmas wreath with seashells and a note.

“I think its been great, all the people that have come out to look for him,” said Nugent.

After Phillips went missing, hundreds helped search for him all over Santa Cruz County. On Thursday, fishermen found floating near the Seacliff Beach ship. Saturday, Nathan’s family told Central Coast News that sheriff’s deputies identified the body as Phillips’ through his fingerprints.

Some say when they heard a body was found near the location Phillips’ bike was discovered, they knew it was him.

“There’s too many clues that kind of directed towards that would be him and I just feel really sad for the family, and for his little heart. My heart goes out to his little heart and soul,” said Nugent.

The community response was there from the beginning. Over 3,000 liked a “Find Nathan” Facebook page. Even after the search ended, the community is there to support Nathan’s family.

“Know he is not forgotten, he is going to be missed even by people that didn’t know him,” said Nugent.

Sheriff deputies have not said what exactly happened to Phillips. Aptos High parents said grief counselors were available last week for students and will be this week.