Family Mourns Cousins Who Drowned In Cleveland County Pond

Family members said cousins who lived like brothers were the victims of a double drowning Sunday.

Mari Conner, mother of 14-year-old Justin Murphy, said it was no coincidence that her son and 16-year-old Dawayne Allgeyer’s bodies were found near each other in the small pond off of Davis Road in Cleveland County.

“Them two have been together always,and they wouldn't leave each other,” she said.

A witness said the boat they were in had a leak.Friends heard the screams for help, but neither of the teens could swim and no one could reach them in time.

Conner said that by the time she arrived, she knew her son was dead.

“I do have an inner peace knowing that my child is in heaven and that my nephew is in heaven,” she said.

Family members said both were dedicated youth ministry workers in their church in the Ramblewood apartment complex.

It's a community that has seen a lot of crime.

Conner said Justin saw hope there even after a plumbing problem flooded part of the church.

“We have been having church service in our home for the past two weeks. Justin has been working diligently to rebuild the church,” she said.

Thomas Allgeyer said his grandson, Dawayne, often cut his neighbors’ grass and helped repair their homes.

“He just helped out anyway her could. He didn't care if he got paid or not. He just wanted to help,”Allgeyer said.

And when they needed help the most, he said, the teens tried against all odds to help each other.

Grief counselors were at the high schools the teens attended on Monday to help fellow students cope with the news.

Previous Stories: November 16, 2009: Police: 2 Teens Drown After Boat Capsizes