SOUTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- A local Marine is one of 12 reported missing after a helicopter crash in Hawaii.
Sgt. Adam C. Schoeller, of South Middleton Township, Cumberland County, was on board one of two CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters that collided Thursday night. The choppers impacted the water off the coast of Oahu’s Waimea Bay along the North Shore.
Schoeller graduated in 2008 from Boiling Springs High School.
"He was involved in multiple sports, he was involved in the band. He was an amazing football player," said Alan Moyer, South Middleton S.D. Superintendent.
"You're speechless and it just feels like your heart goes into your stomach. It's a very scary feeling. You just think if it was one of your own children how you would feel," said Moyer.
Schoeller was known as much off the football field as he was on.
"He had an incredible smile and incredible positive attitude. I think that people were actually better because they were teammates with Adam. To that same tokem, he was an aggressive competitor on the field. Certainly a standout as a football player as well," said Nate Freier, former coach, and current Head Football Coach at Boiling Springs.
"I know that for his mom and dad, and his sister, and brother, that they are probably praying now as well as much as we are. They're praying even more that he comes safely through this," said Freier.
His parents, who still live in South Middleton Township, traveled to Hawaii to be with his wife. In a statement they said, “The family is remaining optimistic. There are thousands praying for a positive outcome for these Marines and the search and rescue efforts. We value all of the thoughts and prayers offered up on our behalf during this very difficult time.”
Search and rescue operations have been underway since Thursday, but have been difficult because of low visibility. Dangerous surf, with ocean swells up to 16-feet, has also caused problems, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. They expanded their search on Sunday.