A Year Later, Still in Our Hearts: OBX Remembers Tragic Death
Outer Banks, NC – One year after the tragic death that shook the tight-knit community of the Outer Banks, residents gathered this weekend to honor the memory of 17-year-old Caleb Thompson, whose untimely passing left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
On April 14, 2024, Caleb was killed in a devastating boating accident near Oregon Inlet. The incident occurred during a late afternoon outing with friends, when their boat capsized amid rough waters. While others survived with injuries, Caleb was swept away by the current. His body was recovered two days later, sparking an outpouring of grief from the OBX community and beyond.
To mark the one-year anniversary, friends, family, and neighbors held a candlelight vigil Sunday evening at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head. Hundreds showed up, many wearing “#CalebStrong” t-shirts and holding lanterns that were later released into the sky. His mother, Laura Thompson, addressed the crowd with tearful gratitude.
“I never imagined so many people would still be here a year later, but Caleb touched lives,” she said. “His laughter, his kindness — those things live on. And tonight, I feel him here with us.”
The tragedy sparked several safety reforms throughout the OBX boating community. Local authorities increased signage at high-risk inlets, added life jacket awareness campaigns, and hosted free boater safety courses over the past year — many of which were inspired by Caleb’s story.
“He may be gone, but he’s making a difference,” said Coast Guard officer James Phelps. “His legacy is reminding people how quickly things can change on the water and how crucial it is to be prepared.”
At Manteo High School, where Caleb would have been a senior this year, classmates have kept his spirit alive through various projects, including a memorial bench on campus and an annual scholarship fund in his name. The first “Caleb Thompson Memorial Scholarship” was awarded last week to a senior pursuing marine biology — a subject Caleb had dreamed of studying.
“It still feels unreal sometimes,” said best friend Jordan Reese. “He should be here graduating with us. But we’re doing everything we can to honor him.”
Social media lit up over the weekend with tributes and memories shared under the hashtag #ForeverCaleb. Photos, videos, and heartfelt messages poured in from across the state and country, proving just how many lives Caleb had touched.
As the sun set behind the waves Sunday night, attendees at the vigil joined in a moment of silence, broken only by the soft strumming of a guitar playing Caleb’s favorite song, “Ocean Eyes.” Tears were shed, but there was comfort, too — in the unity, the memories, and the enduring love of a community still healing.
One year later, the Outer Banks continues to carry Caleb in its heart — not as a memory of loss, but as a symbol of love, resilience, and the deep bonds that make this coastal community so strong.
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