The body of a Pennsylvania man who went missing Thursday off the coast of North Carolina’s Outer Banks was discovered early Friday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

A deputy with the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office discovered the body of 30-year-old Thaddeus Davis — a well known and popular high school football coach — of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania about 12:45 a.m., according to Chief Chris Martinez, duty officer with North Carolina Sector Command.

Corolla Fire & Rescue were notified and Davis’ relatives were able to identify his body, according to officials.

Davis’ body was discovered near where he was last seen Thursday afternoon by his wife, Amy Davis, and friends as he swam with the couple’s 10-year-old son. Martinez said Davis is believed to have been caught in a rip tide.

Rip tides are a danger to swimmers mainly because of their fast speeds and force. Experts report the tides are prevalent in coastal areas like inlets and harbors and urge swimmers to take precautions to avoid the swift moving currents.

Petty Officer 1st Class Adam Sansoucie said previously that Davis and his son were in distress in the water. A lifeguard swam out and saved the child.

“Davis was swept away underwater and did not resurface,” Sansoucie said.

News of the incident shocked the Lewisburg community, which held a nighttime vigil at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium on the Bucknell University campus.

About 200 people, including many players on the football team and members of the community who know and love the family, showed up.

It was a time for tears, hugs and prayers, Davis’ good friend, James Bond, said.

The group was aware that a search was ongoing off the Carolina coast.

“I don’t know that Thaddeus might not resurface 40 miles down the beach and be OK,” Bond said. “I pray for a miracle that it might be so.”

Former Bucknell assistant coach Bill Morrow said, “Thaddeus loved football. He was filled with an energy level, which was through the roof at all times.”

It’s OK to cry and hug the person next to you, added Lewisburg head wrestling coach Jim Snyder. “When I heard that Thaddeus was missing, I was devastated. Why him? He loved his wife, his family, the kids that he coached.”

Several people who knew Davis stood up and talked about his strength of character. 

“He pushed his guys,” Morrow said. “But he loved them all, and he was so relentlessly positive. I continue to believe and hope that he’ll be found alive.”

After the vigil concluded, several attendees huddled together, held hands in a circle, then did a 100-yard windsprint from the spot of the vigil to the far goal post.

Rick Dandes contributed to this story. Scicchitano and Dandes write for the Sunbury, Pennsylvania Daily Item.