Baldwin County authorities are investigating the circumstances behind the death of a 17-year-old high school senior whose body was recovered Friday from a creek.

The teenager was identified by Elberta Mayor Jim Hamby and high school football coach Nathan McDaniel as Avery Pickle. He was last seen swimming in Palmetto Creek on Thursday. First responders, search and rescue, and volunteers conducted searches throughout the area, which resulted in the body being discovered, according to the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.

“It’s a tough day for all of us; for the parents, the family and for our players and coaches and for Elberta,” said Nathan McDaniel, head football coach for the Elberta Warriors. Pickle was a linebacker for the football team.

“Avery was a wonderful young man, tremendous football player and wrestler,” McDaniel said. “He was an even better person. His smile lit up rooms and he will be missed greatly.”

The Sheriff’s Office, which did not release a name, said it was continuing its investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Pickle was last seen going into the water with friends around a private pier north of Pirates Cove, according to a report from WKRG.

Hamby said that after Pickle went missing, “everyone just assumed he would show up.”

“When he didn’t, the whole team and everyone … the football players, and their families were, around 5:30 this morning, were sending texts back and forth,” Hamby said. “They offered to bring boats and jet skis to look for him.”

Hamby said Pickle was a “well-liked kid” and a “big, physical guy.”

Brandt Bailey, principal at Elberta High School, said he planned to release a statement Saturday.